NR293: Endocrine Drugs (Chapters 30-33)
Questions and Answers Latest Update
What are the functions of the endocrine system? Ans: Growth and
development
Reproduction
Regulate metabolism
Homeostasis
What are the endocrine disorders and where do they originate? Ans: Thyroid
gland - Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
Adrenal gland - Cushing's disease, Addison's disease
Pituitary gland - Diabetes insipidus
Pancreas - Diabetes mellitus
What are the manifestations of hyperthyroidism? Ans: Bulging eyes
Heat intolerance
Fine, straight hair
Goiter
Tachycardia
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Increased BP
Dyspnea on exertion
Weight loss
Edema
Menstrual changes
Diarrhea
Tremors
Finger clubbing
What are the functions of methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU)? Ans:
Treats hyperthyroidism
Blocks synthesis of thyroid hormones
Decreases levels of thyroid hormones
Decreases metabolic state
What are the adverse effects of methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU)?
Ans: Hypothyroidism
Agranulocytosis - A serious condition that occurs when there is an
extremely low number of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell).
Hepatotoxicity
What is the nursing care for methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU)? Ans:
Improvement in 1 to 2 weeks; Good results in 4 to 8 weeks
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Therapy for 6 to 15 months
Administer medications same time everyday
Monitor VS, weight and I/O
Monitor for s/s hypo and hyperthyroidism
Monitor TSH; T4
Monitor CBC
Do not discontinue the medication abruptly (risk of thyroid crisis due to
stress response).
What is the function of beta blockers? Ans: Blocks effects of sympathetic
nervous system stimulation.
What are the indications for beta blockers? Ans: Symptomatic relief of
thyrotoxicosis
Thyroid storm
What are the adverse effects of beta blockers? Ans: Bradycardia
What is the nursing care for beta blockers? Ans: Monitor BP and HR.
What are the functions of iodine (potassium iodide (Lugol's solution)
nonradioactive iodine)? Ans: Inhibits synthesis of T3 and T4 and block their
release into circulation.
What are the indications for iodine (potassium iodide (Lugol's solution)
nonradioactive iodine)? Ans: Used pre-op to treat thyrotoxicosis
Reduce thyroid gland size prior to thyroid removal sx.
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