Advanced Endocrine System Nursing Exam Preparation: Comprehensive Adrenal Gland Physiology, Cortisol Metabolism, Glucocorticoid Pharmacology, Mineralocorticoid Electrolyte Regulation, ACTH Negative Feedback Mechanisms, Cushing’s Syndrome Pathophysiology,

Advanced Endocrine System Nursing Exam Preparation: Comprehensive Adrenal Gland Physiology, Cortisol Metabolism, Glucocorticoid Pharmacology, Mineralocorticoid Electrolyte Regulation, ACTH Negative Feedback Mechanisms, Cushing’s Syndrome Pathophysiology, Addison’s Disease Adrenal Insufficiency, Hyperaldosteronism Conn’s Syndrome, Catecholamine Stress Response, Pheochromocytoma Hypertensive Crisis, Diabetes Insipidus ADH Deficiency, SIADH Water Retention Disorder, Desmopressin DDAVP Therapy, Water Deprivation Diagnostic Testing, Pituitary Hormone Regulation, Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy Postoperative Care, Gigantism Growth Hormone Excess, Acromegaly Soft Tissue Overgrowth, Steroid Medication Side Effects, Adrenalectomy Surgical Management, Electrolyte Imbalance Recognition, Hyperglycemia Metabolic Effects Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 Adrenal gland controls sugar, salt, and sex GLUCOCORTICOIDS (sugar) -(regulate metabolism & are critical in stress response) -CORTISOL responsible for control & metabolism of: -Carbohydrates -- regulation of blood glucose concentration -Fats -- stimulates fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue -Proteins -- stimulates protein synthesis in liver OTHER: What about blood glucose? What about immune response? What about inflammation? Glucocorticoids (How are they released) Where is ACTH released? anterior pituitary Decreased levels of cortisol cause increase of ACTH Increased levels of cortisol cause decrease of ACTH think tank: What type of feedback mechanism is this?? negative affected by: -Individual biorhythms -ACTH levels are highest 2 hours before and just after waking up. -usually 5AM - 7AM** -these gradually decrease the rest of day Why does this matter? (think… when taking exogenous steroids) messes with normal rhythm, causes insomnia Exogenous Glucocorticoids **Hydrocortisone (Cortef) **Prednisone (Deltasone) **Methylprednisolone (Medrol) **Dexamethasone (Decadron) Betamethasone (Celestone) Budesonide (Entocort EC) Cortisone (Cortone) Prednisolone (Prelone) Triamcinolone (Kenacort, Kenalog) Mineralocorticoids (F & E balance) (salt) Aldosterone What does aldosterone do? What stimulates aldosterone secretion? ACTH & renin system Na: retain Water: retain K: excrete Hydrogen ion: excrete ANDROGENS (sex) •hormones which increase male characteristics •release of testosterone Do women produce androgens? yes What clinical signs & symptoms would you expect to see if you had overproduction? excess hair growth mood swings = rage acne deeper voice virilization What is released by the adrenal medulla? catecholamines: Epinephrine ­Regulates HR & BP ­inc. blood glucose ­stimulate ACTH à stimulate glucocorticoids ­inc. rate & force of cardiac contractions ­constricts blood vessels in skin, mucous membranes, & kidneys ­dilates blood vessels in skeletal muscles, coronary & pulmonary arteries Norepinephrine (inotropic) ­Increases HR & force of contractions ­Constricts blood vessels throughout the body preiferally ADRENAL CORTEX HORMONES - HYPER & HYPO FUNCTION •Too much = cushings