Exam 2 (V2): NSG4100 / NSG 4100
(2026 / 2027 Edition) Nursing
Practice – Adult Health III | 100%
Correct Questions & Answers -
Galen
Cortisol is produced by the..
Answer
Adrenal cortex
Question:
Aldosterone is produced by the...
Answer
Adrenal cortex
Question:
Androgen is produced by the...
Adrenal cortex
Answer
Question:
What does cortisol do to the body? What is cortisol's responsibilities?
Answer
Helps control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
Suppresses inflammation
Regulates blood pressure
Increases blood sugar
Decrease bone formation
Question:
What does aldosterone do to the body? What are its responsibilities?
Answer
Tells kidneys to absorb more sodium into the bloodstream - Releases potassium into the urine (regulates BP)
Question:
What do androgens do for the body?
Answer
Assists ovaries produce estrogen and testes produce testosterone
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia occurs when....
the enzyme needed for cortisol production in adrenal gland is lacking because of a gene defect.
Question:
Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome) is caused by...
Answer
aldosterone-secreting tumors
Question:
The adrenal medulla controls...
Answer
adrenaline
Question:
Secondary hyperaldosteronism is caused by....
Answer
Poor kidney perfusion
Question:
What is hypoaldosteronism? What are symptoms of this condition?
Question:
Patients with hypoaldosteronism will retain _____ and _____, and have low ________ levels.
Answer
Salt and water retention
Low K+
Question:
How is hypoaldosteronism treated?
Answer - Mineral corticoids to maintain that salt and water balance, - Glucocorticoids if there is a cortisol deFciency
- Potentially diuretics
Question:
Cushings Syndrome is a condition of
Answer
hyperadrenalism - High cortisol levels
Question:
The Pituitary is Located on the....
Answer
inferior aspect of the brain and is divided into anterior and posterior lobes. The gland is
controlled by the hypothalamus, which is an adjacent area of the brain
Question:
pituitary gland secretes hormones that...
Answer
influence growth, metabolism and regeneration
Question:
the Pituitary signals releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone), what does ACTH do?
Answer
tell adrenal glands to release Cortisol (-) fdbck system
Question:
Hypersecretion of anterior pituitary gland results in
Answer
Cushings Syndrome
Question:
ADH (anti diuretic hormone) is also called arginine vasopressin it is a hormone made by the
hypothalamus in the brain and is stored in the....
Answer
posterior pituitary gland
Question:
ADH constantly regulates and balances the amount of
Answer
water in your blood stream.
The adrenal glands secretes compounds like
cortisone, adrenaline
Question:
Too much cortisol makes things....
Answer
slow down
Question:
Too little cortisol make things..
Answer
speed up
Question:
If a patient has CONGENTIAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA, what happens to their cortisol
levels?
Answer
so less cortisol is being produced
if a patient has CONGENTIAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA, what are they at risk for?
Adrenal crisis bc they have very low levels of cortisol
main symptoms of adrenal crisis is ..
Answer
hypotension or hypovolemic shock
If a patient has hyper-aldosteronism, what do you treat them with?
we give them spironolactone (k sparing diuretic) this med:
Answer
o increases sodium excretion and potassium retention these patients are high risk for renal
wasting
o we want to make sure they are very up to date and compliant with their
treatment regimen
What is the primary function of aldosterone?
Answer
facilitates the salt and water retention by the kidney
Signs and symptoms of hyper-aldosteronism include....
Answer - HIGH Na, BP - LOWK+
A patient has an their adrenal glands removed due to their hyper-aldosteronism, this puts them at
risk for....
insufficient cortisol production
Post-Operative Complications for patients who had their adrenal glands removed include...
low BP, bleeding infection and blood
clots - Adrenal crisis
Aldosterone is under the control of the pituitary gland.
True or False?
False
Aldosterone is secreted by the adrenal gland.
True or false?
True
This medication is used to treat heart failure hypertension and fluid retention that prevents your
body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium from getting too low?
spironolactone
Symptoms of Hypoaldosteronism include.... - LOW sodium (Na), Low BP - HIGH K+ - metabolic acidosis
Clinical Manifestations of Cushing's Include... - Mood swings - Fatigue - Weight gain - Muscle Weakness - lassitude (A feeling of tiredness, weakness, and lack of interest in daily activities.)
A patient presents with muscle weakness dark skin and lupus membranes pigmentation and
emotional lability these are clinical manifestations of what?
hypoaldosteronism
Prednisone in pt with COPD could increase the levels of....
cortisol
Your patient, a 35y/o F with emphysema, requests medication to help with her symptoms. What
medication do you expect to be ordered?
Prednisone
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 years are five times more likely than men to develop....
Cushing's Syndrome
The main cause of Cushing's syndrome is the pituitary gland producing too much...
adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)
Cushing's Syndrome is caused by high levels of...
cortisol
When do people with cushing's tend to have high cortisol levels throughout the day?
All day
Normal AM Cortisol levels?
10-20 mcg/dl
highest in the ___ and lower in the ____?
AM
PM
Normal urine cortisol level is..
3.5-45mcg/24 hours
How is urine collected for cortisol levels?
24hr urine collection
(keep urine cold between samples)
Indicators of Cushing's aside from cortisol levels include...
increased Na and blood GLUCOSE level - decreased K+ - reduction in number of blood eosinophils - disappearance of lymphoid tissue
Nursing interventions for Cushing's Disease include... - Rest and decrease the activity - Skin Integrity (Every shift, check skin) - Diet: AVOID LOW CARB diet
A patient with Cushing syndrome should be assessed for signs and symptoms of... (due to
medications)
Addisonian Crisis
An Addisonian Crisis is life threatening because the patient could...
go into circulatory collapse and shock
Patient teachings about Cushing's Disease include...
If s/s of an addisonian crisis appear this is an emergency. They need to call 911 or go to the ER
immediately
Signs and Symptoms of an addisonian crisis include... - life threatening shock
Severe weakness
Confusion
Pain to the lower back and legs
Severe and abdominal pain
Unexplained restlessness
N/V - leading to dehydration
Decreased loc
Decreased BP - they're not perfusing
HIGH K+ and LOW sodium
Treatment for Cushing's Disease includes Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy. What is this?
surgical removal of the tumor on pituitary gland - Tx of choice - 80% success rate
Patients who undergo a Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy are at high risk for...
losing CSF or cerebral spinal fluid.
- observations and assessments by the nurse after the surgery is very important, we have a small
amount of CSF circulating at any one time so any loss is significant.
How do we know if a patient is losing CSF from a Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy?
If you look at the nasal packing and you see something pinkish and then you see that drainage
has this Halo that is CSF this is a medical emergency
NOTIFY PCP because they have a CSF
leak and they need to go back to surgery immediately.
A patient may report "You know I feel like there's something salty, and I and I feel a whole
bunch of drainage at the back of my throat”
a patient diagnosed with Cushing syndrome may experience these
symptoms except:
A. Mooning Face
B. Weight Loss
C. Thin Extremities
D. Central-Type Obesity
E. HIRITUSIM (excessive growth of hair on face)
B
Patients with Cushing syndrome are at higher risk for invasive infections
what would you teach the patient and caregivers?
Wash your hands frequently, and well
Addison's disease is a primary...
adrenal insufficiency
Symptoms of an Addisonian Crisis inlcude...
Hypotension, Abd. Pain, Restlessness, N/V/D, dehydration - if patient all of a sudden has restlessness that you cannot find a reason for this is a red flag
needs to be assessed
A patient with Addison's Disease has a heart rate of 140, what is the priority?
Contact the PCP, this patient could be entering an addisonian crisis.
Patients who are at risk for Addisonian crisis need to be taught
and need to....
carry around an emergency kit at all times.
An addisonian crisis Emergency kit contains... - Hydrocortisone 100 million given IM - Dexamethasone it's a pill or milligrams which gives patients
with it enough they could swap they could take orally - Saline or D5W
The family and the patient may have to be taught how to
reconstitute the hydrocortisone properly so they can be given IM.
A patient has to use their Emergency Kit for an addisonian crisis. What do they need to do next?
Go to ER. They still need to be assessed and treated.
Why would you give Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef), a steriod, to a patient with addison's disease?
give for low BP, N/V if pt
hasn't taken their predinisone
Does Synthroid or levothyroxine cause photo sensitivity?
No.
A patient on steroids or with high cortisol levels need to be educated on what, related to being
outside?
They will have increase photosensitivity.
Your patient is prescribed Prednisone 50 milligrams daily and states that when he feels better, he
will stop taking them what is your response?
you need to be slowly weaned off this type of medication we do not want to push this patient into
adrenal crisis.
so you were caring for a patient who was status post bilateral adrenalectomy what are signs and
symptoms that indicate they are going into Addisonian crisis?
A. Pain level of 4/10
B. Severe Abdominal Pain, N/V/D
C. Feelings of unease
D. blood sugar of 350 mg/dL
B
Your patient was recently discharged home from being treated for Addison's disease. His wife
states she forgot to pick up his Prednisone, and the patient is confused with a BP of 80/45 and he
is vomiting what is your priority action?
Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) - only be administered via IV so when this patient comes into your ED you need to get the IV in
right away
Most common disorder of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is characterized by a
deficiency of
Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) - Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder of the posterior pituitary that's characterized by a deficiency
of..
ADH
Secondary Diabetes Insipidus is caused by
head trauma
brain tumor
surgical ablation or irradiation of the pituitary gland
In a normal person the hypothalamus produces ADH in relation the the serum osmolarity. What
is serum osmolarity?
measurement of the concentration of particles dissolved in body fluid
In a patient with Diabetes insipidus not enough ADH is being produced. In response the kidneys
are being told to filter out as much urine as they want. This results in the #1 symptom of diabetes
insipidus....
copious amount of urine.
This urine will be pale and watery.
Patients with diabetes insipidus need to be monitored frequently during a water deprivation test.
Under what circumstances would the test be cancelled/stopped?
if tachycardia, excessive weight loss or hypotension develops
What is a water deprivation test?
Drinking water is withheld from the patient to induce dehydration and to assess urinary water
excretion. - Fluids are withheld for 8-12 hrs or until 3-5% of body weight is lost - Pt is weighed freq. during test - Plasma and urine osmolality are done at the beginning and end of the test - Pt is considered as having the DI if they are unable to increase the specific gravity or
osmolarity of the urine
This definitively diagnoses diabetes insipidus.
Clinical Manifestation of Diabetes Insipidus include...
Excessive Thirst (polydipsia)
Large amts of Dilute urine
Nocturia
Tachycardia - developing DI
A patient with Diabetes Insipidus will have what kind of electrolyte levels?
Higher levels of electrolytes due to dehydration.
What is the treatment for diabetes insipidus?
Desmopressin IV or Nasal Spray (DDAVP)
SIADH stands for...
syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
Too much ADH
A patient was just prescribed DDAVP for diabetes insipidus. What do you expect them to report
that indicates the medication is working?
"I'm peeing less and my urine is getting darker."
Normal urine specific gravity?
1.005-1.030
How will a patient's urine look with SIADH?
Concentrated
If a patient has excessive amount of ADH, what disease do they have? How will they appear?
SIADH
They will be swollen, with edema. They are retaining fluids.
Why will patients with SIADH have low sodium levels?
Due to the dilution of the body's fluids, remember they are retaining fluids.
SIADH is often non-endocrine in origin often is from..
bronchogenic carcinoma- this Tumor releases a similar form of ADH and tricks the body
Endocrine originating SIADH can be caused by medications like
morphine, aquavine, phenothiazidesz,
antycyclics, antidepressants, thiazides, barbituates diuretics, nicotine
Patients with SIADH have fluid retention. This means they will gain water weight. What organ
system is important to monitor because of this retention? What are you looking for?
Pulmonary.
auscultating crackles bilaterally in lower
lobes (means =uid has travel to open spaces in lungs)
A patient with SIADH must increase their serum sodium levels. How would you encourage
sodium intake?
DO NOT promote extra dietary sodium intake - ONLY SMALL amts of sodium are needed to increase levels - Encourage fluids high in Na like Broth & Tomato juice
In a patient with SIADH If the primary problem is water retention its safer to reduce _________
than to administer ________.
Fluids
Sodium
The treatment for SIADH includes...
Water restriction
- For water retention - neurological s/s are severe - adm a small amt of hypertonic solu. To
alleviate cerebral edema
Furosemide (Lasix)
- DO NOT GIVE HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) it will decrease
sodium
Hypertonic fluids: - For severe hyponatremia - Give 2% or up to 23%
needs to be given slowly and pt is closely monitored
Complications to monitor for in patients with SIADH include... - Hyperkalemia - Crackles in the lungs - Cerebral edem - Heart Attack - Seizure
Both Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH patients may present with...
excessive thirst
What is Pheochromocytoma?
A tumor that is usually benign and originates from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla.
- Rare tumor of the adrenal gland - Results in the release of too much EPI or NOREPI that control: HR, metabolism, BP - BP affected by the tumor - HTN
Intermittent excessive release of catecholamines (Epinephrine and NoEpinephrine) from
pheochromocytoma cause periods of...
Hypertension
What is a major risk factor of pheochromocytoma?
Genetics - If a family member has this condition it is important to screen other members of the family.
Family members should be alerted & screened if patient has.....?
pheochromocytoma
pheochromocytoma is diagnosed via... - 24-hour urine, speciFc lab tests (catecholamines and metanephrine) - Clinical Manifestations - CT, MRI, Ultrasound of abdomen/pelvis - Clonidine Suppression Test - for inconclusive catechol. & urine test - Plasma and Urine Catecholamine Levels
What should you check before insulin is administered? Why?
Potassium Levels
Insulin will push potassium into cells, decreasing the serum levels.
What orders would you question for a patient with pheochromocytoma?
Morning Cortisol Test
3 multiple choice options
What is the Clonidine Suppression test?
a diagnostic tool used to differentiate between patients with and without paraganglioma (PPGL)
and pheochromocytoma. PPGLs are rare tumors that originate from the sympathetic ganglia or
adrenal medulla.
Clinical Manifestations of pheochromocytoma include... - (Abrupt) Hypertension - Headache - Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) - Hypermetabolism - Hyperglycemia - Palpitations, Tachycardia - Blurred Vision - Anxiety - Feeling of Impending Doom
What should you educate your patient with pheochromocytoma on related to their diet?
Avoid foods high int tyramine:
- some beers & wines - Aged cheese - Dried or smoked meats, sausages - Soy sauce - Sauerkraut
A patient with pheochromocytoma is scheduled for an Adrenalectomy in two weeks. What
should you educate them on related to pre-operative care?
They will be prescribed antihypertensives approximately two weeks before the surgery to remain
as healthy as possible.
What medications are expected to be prescribed to a patient with pheochromocytoma? What
should you educate the patient on related to these medications?
Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker (Dibenzyline), (Minipress), (Hytrin), Or (Cardura) - Teach pt to change positions slowly- Monitor salt intake & BP - Report blurred or hazy vision
OT HTN
Calcium Channel Blockers (ProCardia or Cardene) - Usually given for spike during surgery to bring down BP
A post-operative patient who came back from a thyroidectomy to remove their thyroid cancer
reports feeling pressure, trouble breathing, and a 'pulling sensation' at the surgical site. You listen
to their lungs and hear stridor.
What is the priority?
Call the PCP. The airway is about to compromise.
What is important to keep at the bedside for post-operative thyroidectomy patients?
tracheostomy kit
How is Levothyroxine taken? What do you educate the patient on? - Synthroid - Lifelong therapy- - Levels need to be checked Q3 months so med/dose can be adjusted - PO: take 30-60 prior to eating for med to be effective
Type 1 DM is characterized by....
the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells
Type 2 DM is characterized by.... - insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. - In type 2 diabetes, intracellular reactions are diminished, making insulin less effective at
stimulating glucose uptake by the tissues and at regulating glucose release by the liver
Insulin will prevent ________ breakdown.
KETONE
(some insulin will work breaking down ketones)- If there's no insulin = ketones are present
(DKA)
HHS is a metabolic disorder most often of type ____ diabetes resulting from a relative insulin
deficiency initiated by an illness that raises the demand for insulin.
2
What does HHS stand for?
Hyperglycemic-Hyperosmolar state
What is Hyperglycemic-Hyperosmolar state?
An acute, life-threatening condition characterized by profound hyperglycemia (above 600)
osmolarity that leads to dehydration and an absence of ketosis
What is happening to insulin levels in a patient in HHS?
Insulin is too low to prevent hyperglycemia (and osmotic diuresis); high enough to prevent fat
brkdown.
SOME INSULIN is being PRODUCED - insulin present but NOT ENOUGH
What is happening to ketone levels in a patient in HHS?
KETONES are minimal or ABSENT
How does HHS present? - Onset over several days - Normal BiCarbonate (HCO3) - Serum Osmolarity will be greater than 350 - Triggered by stress - Lack of effective insulin (insulin resistance) - Hypernatremia r/t increased osmolarity
What is normal serum osmolarity levels?
275 to 295 mOsm/kg
What distinguishes HHS from DKA?
ketosis and acidosis do not occur in HHS, partly because of differences in insulin levels.
A priority Nursing considerations for a patient in HHS is...
Put the patient on a cardiac monitor due to low potassium levels.
What is DKA?
a life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the body doesn't have enough
insulin to allow blood sugar into cells for energy. DKA is usually seen in patients with type-1
diabetes, but it can also occur in patients with type-2 diabetes.
What are the three main clinical manifestations of DKA?
Hyperglycemia
Dehydration with Electrolyte loss
Acidosis (Metabolic)
(Also: Polyuria, Polydipsia, and dehydration, Fruity Breath, Kussmaul Respirations [deep, and
rapid], changes in LOC and electrolyte levels)
_______ will be present in a patient with DKA.
Ketones
What are some diabetic keto-acidosis GI symptoms? Why do they occur?
Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain
These occur due to the disruption of the enteric nervous system (GI nerves)
Why do patients have "fruity breath" when in DKA?
Due to the presence of ketones
What are kussmuals respirations? Why do patient's in DKA have them?
Hyperventilation: Deep, rapid breathes.
What does the adrenal gland produce?
Cortisol
Aldosterone
Androgens
helps control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates;suppresses inflammation;
regulates blood pressure; increases bloodsugar; and can also decrease bone formation
Cortisol
tells kidneys to absorb more sodium into the bloodstreamand release potassium into the urine
(regulates BP)
Aldosterone
assist ovaries produce estrogen and testes produce testosterone
Androgen
Hypo adrenal gland function
Hypoglycemia
Salt - hyponatremic and a decrease in salt, causes a decrease in VOLUME and a decrease in
BLOOD PRESSURE causes what to happen to bloodpressure
HYPERKALEMIA
Sex - A decrease in sexual hormones can allow other hormones to bemore easily seen. Ex: a
female with low estrogen, may have moretestosterone apparent - thus the facial hair.
hyper adrenal gland
Sugar- hyperglycemic
Salt- hypernatremic and an increase in salt, causes anincrease in VOLUME and an increase in
BLOOD PRESSURE causes what to happen to blood pressure
Sex - A increase in sexual hormones may be seen
What part of the adrenal gland controls adrenaline?
Medulla
Condition characterized by the shortage (deficiency) or impairedfunction of a hormone called
aldosterone. The symptoms of thiscondition include low sodium (hyponatremia), too
muchpotassium (hyperkalemia), and a condition where the bodyproduces too much acid
(metabolic acidosis)
Hypoaldosteronism
What is a manifestation of hypoaldosteronism?
Dark pigmentation in the mucosa and skin around joints due to high levels of ACTH that binds
to melano receptors
S/S of hypoaldosteronism
HYPOGLYCEMIA
• HYPONATREMIA
• HYPOVOLEMIA
• HYPOTENSION
• HYPERKALEMIA
How to diagnose Addisons disease
Early morning serum cortisol and plasma ACTH & abnormal labs (glucose, sodium, potassium,
WBC)
CM of Addisons disease
Decreased sodium and blood glucose (Chronic: may leadto dehydration)
• Increased potassium
• Hypotension
Increased WBC
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Anorexia
• Dark pigmentation: mucous membranes and skin(especially knuckles, knees, elbows)
• Apathy: lack of interest
Treatment for Addisons disease
Corticosteroids: - Infection control - Hyperglycemia - Hypertension - Taper when weaning off. DO not suddenly stop - Moon face, weight gain
dose adjustment during times of stress
s/s of addisonian crisis
Hypotension
Cyanosis
N/V
Shock (low volume)
Restlessness
confusion
Causes of Addisonian Crisis
Slight overexertion
, cold exposure
, acute infection
, decrease in salt,
emotional stress = lead to circulatory collapse,
shock (low volume)
death
Nursing interventions for addisonian crisis
Restore blood circulation
IV glucose, Na, and glucose
IV corticosteroids
Vasopressor
Antibiotics
Monitor for hyperkalemia
Hyperaldosteronism
Aldosterone is a minero-corticoid produced in the adrenal cortex.Aldosterone controls sodium
and therefore controls water.
Overnight low-dose dexamethasone suppressiontests
oral dexamthasone given late evening, plasmacortisol in morning. Should see decrease in
cortisolbecause ACTH is reduced(neg feedback). If Cortisolstill high= Cushing syndrome
CM of hyperaldosteronism
• Increase Na, Increase glucose
• Decrease K
• Hypertension
• Round moon face, red face
• Buffalo hump, Truncal obesity(not ascites), but generalfluid retention
• Striae, petechiae, ecchymosis, acne, thin skin (skinbreakdown)
• Decreased immune fx
• Menstrual irregularities, facial hair (women)
• Personality changes
• Osteoporosis
Nursing intervention for hyperaldosteronism
• Decrease risk of injury
• Decrease risk of infection* - good hand washing
• Prepare the patient for surgery (possible tumor removal)
• Rest and decreased activity
• Monitor weight d/t fluid retention
• Promote skin integrity *
• Monitor electrolytes (Na, K)
• Promote positive body image
• Diet low in CHO
What is needed if your are getting a adrenalectomy
cortisone therapy
(pituitary tumor) surgeon usually placesthe endoscope through the nose (may be inserted through
an incision under theupper lip)
Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy
Post Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy
• Watch for CSF leakage(pink tinged on nasal packing) and seizures
• No blowing nose, straws, sneezing, coughing
• HOB elevated
• Sinus infection contraindicated
• Monitor for DI (not enough ADH):frequenturination and thirst
• Excessive ADH secretion from the pituitary gland
• Concentrated urine, retain fluids, and develops dilutional hyponatremia.
• Water Intoxication
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
Most common disorder of the posteriorlobe of the pituitary gland and ischaracterized by a
deficiency of ADH
Diabetes Insipidus
Other causes of DI
•Secondary to head trauma, brain tumor, orsurgical ablation or irradiation of the pituitarygland.
•Infections of the central nervous system orwith tumors
CM of DI
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Large amounts of dilute urine
• Nocturia
Treatment for DI
• Replace ADH -Desmopressin (DDAVP)
• Ensure adequate fluid replacement
• Identify and correct the underlyingintracranial pathology
Etiology of SIADH
• Tumors - lung malignancies
• Non-malignant lung disorders
• Drug induced ADH secretion
• Hyponatremia
Cerebral edema can be caused by
SIADH
CM of SIADH
• Weakness & muscle cramping
• N/V
• Fluid retention
• Weight gain
• Pulmonary compromise
• Postural BP
• Poor skin turgor
• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Hemiparesis
• Seizures
• Coma
Treatment for SIADH
• Free water restriction
• Furosemide(Lasix)
• Hypertonic fluids
*BOTH DI & SIADH will present with
excessive thirst
Bronchocarcinomas are the main reason for
SIADH
A tumor that is usuallybenign and originatesfrom the chromaffincells of the adrenalmedulla.
Pheochromocytoma
CM of pheochromocytoma
• Abrupt Hypertension (Intermittentor Persistent)
• Headache
• Palpitations
• Blurred Vision
• Anxiety
• Feeling of Impending Doom
Interventions for pheochromocytoma
• Monitor for reoccurrence of attacks
• Pre/post op care
• Monitor and manage any ECGchanges
• Arterial pressure
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Blood glucose levels
• Administration of fluids and medications
Patho of Pheochromocytoma
Excess stimulation of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors --
Increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine --
Increased peripheral vascular resistance
results in periods of hypertension
Medications for pheochromocytoma
• Alpha-Adrenergic Blocker (Dibenzyline), (Minipress), (Hytrin),Or (Cardura),
• Beta-Adrenergic Blocker (Propranolol),
• Calcium Channel Blockers (Procardia) Or (Cardene),Metyrosine, Catecholamine Synthesis
Inhibitors (Demser)
Cause of thyroid cancer
External radiation of the head, neck or chest ininfancy or childhood increases risk
Characteristic of thyroid cancer tumor
Lesions are single, hard, and fixed
Complications for thyroidectomy
hemorrhage
hematoma
edema of the glottis
laryngeal nerve injury
Levothyroxine teaching
Take on empty stomach 30-60 mins before eating
Take in the AM
s/s of adrenal hyperplasia
virilization, masculine feature in women- masculine placement of pubic hair, beard, baldness,
masculine build
Corticosteroid therapy
Suppress inflammation and autoimmune response, control allergic reactions, and reduce
transplant rejection
Do not stop abruptly
Infection control
Cushings disease
Risk for cushings disease
long term corticosteroid use
DKA is seen is what type of diabetic
Type 1
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS)
*Usually Type 2 DM
*Profound dehydration
*Glucose may be 600
*Small ketonuria and absent-to-low ketonemia
*pH greater than 7.30
*Bicarbonate concentration greater than 15 mEq/L
How fast does DKA have an onset
more rapid
DKA S/S
D-ehydration
K-etones in the urine and blood, Kussmaul Resp and K+
A-cidosis, Acetone breath, Anorexia d/t nausea
Abdominal pain
Dark eyes
HHS S/S
extreme hyperglycemia (600-1200); hyperosmolarity w/ dehydration; NO ketoacidosis; CNS
dysfunction
Not as a rapid onset
Absence of insulin that causes metabolic acidosis
Untreated diabetes, missed insulin doses, illness or infection
DKA
Before you give insulin, always check
potassium because once insulin is administered, potassium will start to decrease in the
extracellular contents
What is the minimum amount of potassium you should have before you start an insulin drip?
3.5
Cerebral edema can occur if your blood sugar drops too
rapidly
Sick day rules
Take insulin as usual
Test glucose q3-4Hr
Stay hydrated
Substitute soft foods if you cannot withstand normal foods
Report N/V/D to Dr
If unable to retain fluids, go to hospital to avoid DKA
What kind of insulin do you use for a insulin drip?
Regular
Neuropathy
CHARACTERIZED BY CAPILLARY BASEMENT MEMBRANE THICKENING.
Caused by elevated blood glucose for years
Gas exchange occurs in capillaries, causing decreased gas exchanged causing hypoxia
Diabetic neuropathy causes demyelination, causing
the pain in feet and body
or decreased pain reception and the reflexes decrease
autonomic neuropathy
damage to nerves supplying the internal body structures that regulate functions such as blood
pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion
neurogenic bladder ---- no control
How to diagnose diabetic neuropathy
Decreased DTR
Deceased vibratory sensation
Peripheral neuropathy medications
Duloxetine
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Gabapentin (Neurotin)
Autonomic Neuropathy medication
Metoclopramide (Reglan) ---- Increase gastric emptying
Bethanechol (Urecholine)
Diabetic diarrhea
____________________ is a disorder caused by long-standing hyperglycemia causing damage to
the autonomic nervous system → results in altered intestinal motility, ↑ intestinal secretions, and
± fecal incontinence. - Manifests as painless, watery diarrhea; secretory-like (persists at night and while fasting). - Laboratory evaluation typically unremarkable.
Nephropathy affects more type
1 more than type 2
Nephropathy patho
GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS CAUSES INCREASE IN THE GLOMERULAR FLOW
RATE,HYPERFILTRATION, GLOMERULUS DAMAGE, MICROALBUMINURIA THAT
INCREASES,WHICH LEADS TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE, AND FURTHER LEADS
TO END-STAGEKIDNEY DISEASE
In stage one kidney disease
you have an increased GFR
You go through a hyper filtration due to hyper
Nephropathy S/S
PROTEINURIA, HEMATURIA, DECREASED GFR, DECREASED EXCRETION OF
SODIUM,EDEMA, AND HYPERTENSION
Nephropathy treatment
• CONTROL HYPERTENSION
• PREVENTION OR VIGOROUS TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
• AVOIDANCE OF NEPHROTOXIC MEDICATIONS AND CONTRAST DYE
• ADJUSTMENT OF MEDICATIONS AS KIDNEY FUNCTION CHANGES
• LOW-SODIUM DIET
• LOW-PROTEIN DIET
• KIDNEY DIALYSIS
• TRANSPLANT
• SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
• MEDICATION
• INSULIN
• ACE INHIBITORS, CAPOTEN (CAPTOPRIL)
ABNORMAL THICKENING OF THE BASEMENT MEMBRANE IN CAPILLARIES
Retinopathy
PAINLESS PROCESS OF BLURRY VISION, FLOATERS, COBWEBS IN VISUAL
FIELD,SUDDEN VISUAL CHANGES INCLUDING SPOTTY OR HAZY VISION, OR
COMPLETELOSS OF VISION
S/S of Retinopathy
Atherosclerosis is
accelerated in diabetic patients
S/S of macrovascular complications
CHEMICAL REACTIONS BETWEEN BY-PRODUCTS OF SUGARS AND PROTEINS
THATOCCUR OVER TIME. THESE REACTIONS CAUSE THICKENING OF COLLAGEN
ANDENDOTHELIUM, OVERGROWTH OF ENDOTHELIUM, AND INCREASED
VASCULARINFLAMMATION
Present at birth
Occurs when the enzyme needed for cortisol production is lacking because of a gene defect.
Virilization
Adrenal Hyperplasia
s/s of adrenal hyperplasia
Weight loss
fatigue
Low BP
Low blood sugar
Abdominal pain
darkening of the skin
What is the treatment for adrenal hyperplasia?
Corticosteroids
Is aldosterone under the pituitary control?
NO!!!
It is a mineralocorticoid which has an effect on fluid balance
Hyperaldosteronism
excessive output of aldosterone from the adrenal gland, leading to increased sodium and water
retention and loss of potassium
Hyperaldosteronism S/S
Hallmark signs: hypertension and hypokalemia
Hyperaldosteronism treatment
Spironolactone
What is the gold standard for diagnosing cushings disease?
Dexamethasone suppression test
Mood swings, buffalo hump, moon face, purple striae, sodium retention are S/S of
Cushings
What medication can you give for after getting an adrenalectomy?
Hydrocortisone for a few months until
Hypotension, cyanosis, fever, nausea, vomiting, signs of shock, pallor,
headache, abdominal pain ,diarrhea, confusion and restlessness
S/S of addisonian crisis
What can cause an addisonian crisis?
If you have Addisons disease and are exposed to stressors like cold exposure, overexertion,
infection and or emotional distress
What position do you want to place a patient is experiencing addisonian crisis?
Recumbent with legs elevated
What is included in an emergency kit for addisonian crisis?
Prefilled syringes of hydrocortisone (100mg) and 0.9% saline
What do patients who are taking steroids become sensitive to?
The sun. They become very photosensitive and seen to stay out of the sun.
What dietary intake needs to be increased for a patient with Addisons disease if they are
experiencing GI/fluid losses?
Sodium
Lab values for a patient with DI
High sodium
Low potassium
Low urine osmolality
When do you know if the DDAVP treatment is working?
Patient is urinating less and the specific gravity increases
What is the primary cause of SIADH?
Lung disorders such as cancer
What drugs can induce ADH secretion?
Nicotine
Morphine
Tricyclic antidepressants
barbiturates
What are S/S of severe hyponatremia?
Twitching and seizures
Lethargy
Cerebral edema
Confusion
Increased body weight
Treatment for SIADH
Furosemide
ADH antagonist
Hypertonic solution
What are the s/s of pheochromocytoma?
Hypertension
Hyperglycemia
Hyperhidrosis
Hypermetabolism
Headache
Heart palpitations are also common with
Pheochromocytomas
What medications can treat post op thyroidectomy
Calcium gluconate for tetany (spasms, hyperirritablilty)
life long levothyroxine
HHS only happens in what type of diabetes?
Type 2
What is the cause of HHS
Illness accompanied with persistent hyperglycemia which then leads to dehydration
What osmolality level indicate HHS?
Over 320
Will there be any ketones present with HHS?
No
Mucous membranes will be
dry with HHS and you will also have poor skin turgor
What will happen to your GCS in HHS?
Decrease
What kind of insulin do you give IV for HHS?
Regular
Causes of DKA
Decreased or missed dose of insulin
Illness or infection
Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes
What gland dysfunction occurs in SIADH
Posterior pituitary