Endocrine System Hypothalamus Involved in regulating many functions, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, and appetite. It can also regulate the function of other endocrine glands. Pituitary Hormones it produces affect growth and reproduction. They can also control the function of other endocrine glands. Anterior Pituitary hormones: Growth hormone, Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), FSH, LH, Prolactin, Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) What does FSH do? Development of the eggs in the ovaries and estrogen production, stimulates sperm prod. What does LH do? progesterone, ovulation, egg release, testosterone production Pineal Sleep-wake cycles. Thyroid is for Metabolism Thyroid hormones: T3, T4, calcitonin Parathyroid Maintaining control of calcium levels in your bones and blood. Thymus Active until puberty and produces hormones important for the development of T cells (wbc). Adrenal Regulating functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and stress response. Adrenal Cortex outermost to innermost layers, they are (1) the zona glomerulosa, (2) the zona fasciculata, and (3) the zona reticularis. The hormones synthesized and secreted are steroids and consist of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens or estrogens. Mineralocorticoids: maintain adequate extracellular volume Produced by zone glomerulosa Most abundant: Aldosterone Aldosterone functions: at the renal collecting tubule, promotes reabsorption of sodium and excretion of potassium by kidney (salt/water balance) Secretion of Aldosterone is regulated by: levels of potassium, the renin-angiotensin mechanism, and ACTH. Glucocorticoids are produced by the: zona reticularis and zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex Most abundant of glucocorticoids? Cortisol (stress hormone) Glucocorticoid functions include control of carbohydrate, lipid, and fat metabolism; regulation of antiinflammatory and immune responses; and control of emotional states Androgens: steroid; masculinization in men; adrenal Estrogen is supplied by the adrenal glands and ovaries Metabolic rate falls -> hypothalamus stimulates pituitary gland -> pituitary secretes TSH -> stimulates thyroid gland -> thyroid secretes hormones that affect production and use of energy Thyroid hormone is also called thyroxine, tetraiodothyronine, or T4. Triiodothyronine is referred to as T3 What does T4 and T3 do? increase the body's metabolic rate. Calcitonin, or thyrocalcitonin, plays a role in regulating the serum calcium level. when serum calcium levels are high its secreted, limiting the shift of calcium from the bones into the blood. What does the parathyroid secrete? PTH, also called parathormone Which plays a vital role in regulating the serum calcium level. (When the serum calcium level falls, PTH is secreted. PTH increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines, transfers calcium from the bones to the blood, and signals the kidneys to conserve calcium.) AGE RELATED CHANGES (4) Body doesn’t respond to ADH as much/well. Less able to compensate for fluid loss or inad. Fluid intake. ^ risk of dehydration Decline in GH and IGF1, resulting in less protein being made, less lean body and bone mass, and reduced immune function. Decline in cortisol Decline in aldosterone and renin (decreases sodium conservation) Functional assessment includes: sleep disturbances or changes in appetite. usual diet and how symptoms are affecting usual activities and self-esteem. spasm of the facial muscle when the face is tapped over the facial nerve. Chvostek sign carpopedal spasm that occurs when a BP cuff is inflated above the patient's systolic BP and left in place for 2 to 3 minutes Trousseau sign Chvostek sign and Trousseau sign are both indicative of hypocalcemia radioimmunoassay and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are tests that measure levels of hormones in the blood. most useful tests of thyroid function are measurements of serum TSH and free T4 This test shows if thyroid hormone abnormalities are caused by thyroid gland or by hypothalamus or the pituitary TRH [thyroid releasing hormone] stimulation test (measures TSH) RAI uptake test RAI isotopes concentrate in the thyroid, measures how much 48 Pituitary and Adrenal Disorders Dysfunction of the pituitary gland can result from a problem in the gland itself or from a problem in the hypothalamus Hyperpituitarism is caused by excess production of one or more of the anterior pituitary hormones Which are: Growth hormone (GH), prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) Overproduction of GH can lead to gigantism or acromegaly. Overproduction of prolactin causes hyperprolactinemia. adenoma is a benign tumor composed of epithelial tissue. vary in size and invasiveness. Adenomas larger than 10 mm are called; smaller than 10mm macroadenomas; microadenomas most common factor in hyperpituitarism is the presence of a pituitary adenoma Adenomas tend to occur most commonly in young women in their teens through early 30s Excess growth hormone can cause: Hyperglycemia, dm, atherosclerosis, cod, prolactinemia, characterized by abnormal lactation (galactorrhea), amenorrhea, decreased vaginal lubrication, impotence and decreased libido in men, depression, anxiety, and visual loss. Gigantism occurs during early childhood or puberty, while the long bones of the body are still growing And Before the growth plates close, long shaft of the bone may grow to great lengths when there’s excess GH. The growth in these bones is usually proportional. Often die in early adulthood. although rare, is more common than gigantism. excess GH production occurs after epiphyseal closure Acromegaly closed epiphyses prevent longitudinal growth of the bones; instead, bones increase in thickness and width Most patients with acromegaly are found to have pituitary macroadenomas that secrete excess GH. Symptoms usually appear in fourth or fifth decade of life Acromegaly also affects the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and genitourinary systems In hyperpituitarism this may be the first symptoms of a problem Visual deficits (from pressure on optic nerves) and headaches Physical features of the disease include enlargement of the hands, feet, and paranasal and frontal sinuses and deformities of the spine and mandible. In addition, soft tissues may become enlarged, especially the tongue, skin, liver, and spleen. This may in turn lead to speech impediments, coarse or distorted facial features, abdominal distention, and sleep apnea. People with acromegaly may also report excessive perspiration (diaphoresis), oily skin, peripheral neuropathies, degeneration of the joints, and proximal muscle weakness. The effects of excess GH impede the activity of insulin, causing patients to have symptoms of DM. In addition to the features just described, patients with gigantism and acromegaly initially have increased strength, progressing rapidly to complaints of weakness and fatigue. The skilled examiner may also detect organomegaly (i.e., enlargement of internal organs), hypertension, dysphagia, and a deep voice because of hypertrophy of the larynx. Those patients who also have elevated levels of prolactin may have galactorrhea (in women) or hypogonadism (in men). Radiographic films of pt with hyperpituitarism, the skull may show a large sella turcica and increased bone density. In patients with possible hyperpituitarism what is measured levels of anterior pituitary hormones It is normal for LH and FSH to be slightly elevated in postmenopausal women. Elevated levels of GH and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) suggest acromegaly. The GH suppression test is the most definitive test for acromegaly. Although the GH concentration normally falls in response to glucose, it is unchanged in the patient with acromegaly. Dexamethasone suppression tests are used to rule out problems related to dysfunction of the adrenal glands Treatment of choice for patients w pituitary tumors is hypophysectomy; which is the surgical removal of the adenoma or of the pituitary itself transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is a microsurgical procedure under general anesthesia with the patient in the semi-Fowler position. An incision is made at the inner upper lip If the entire pituitary is removed, the patient will need lifelong replacement of glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone, sex hormones. is the most commonly prescribed drug for patients with acromegaly Octreotide (Sandostatin, Sandostatin Depot Sandostatin a short-acting preparation, is given every 8 hours by subcutaneous injection. Sandostatin Depot is long acting and is given by intramuscular (IM) injection every 4 weeks. Common side effects of octreotide acetate are headache, changes in cardiac conduction, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gallstones, reduction in insulin release, hyper or hypoglycemia, and transient pain at the injection site. Because this drug also suppresses insulin secretion, the patient's blood glucose must be monitored. Blood pressure (BP) and weight are monitored to detect fluid retention Dopamine receptor agonists such as cabergoline (Dostinex) suppress the secretion of GH. most often used after radiotherapy and pituitary surgery Pegvisomant (Somavert) Bromocriptine (Parlodel) was once the primary drug but it has been largely replaced by the newer options that have fewer side effects. Some of the most common side effects of bromocriptine are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and urticaria. Surgery for hyperpituitarism? hypophysectomy; removes pituitary to treat tumor What should be assessed after hypophysectomy? Neuro, LOC, decreased/asymmetric muscle strength. Changes may indicate edema or intracranial bleeding. Possible complications of hypophysectomy? Diabetes insipidus, SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone), csf leak, meningitis ; Increased ICP (visual disturbances) Signs of diabetes insipidus and siadh? I and O; specific gravity What is diabetes insipidus? A disorder of salt and water metabolism marked by intense thirst and heavy urination (diluted)/ pituitary hormone ADH/vasopressin is impaired decreased What is SIADH? A condition in which high levels of a hormone (adh/vasopressin) cause the body to retain water. And dilutes sodium. What is specific gravity normal level? 1.01-1.03 (below this is more diluted) indications of meningitis elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, sudden rise in temperature, headache, or nuchal rigidity, severe head or neck pain when touching the chin to the chest. Hypophysectomy teaching: • If the anterior pituitary is removed, you will need hormone replacements for the rest of your life. • For 3 months (or as advised by your physician), avoid any activities that cause straining, heavy lifting, and bending from the waist. • It is important to prevent constipation because straining increases intracranial pressure. • Numbness of the incision area and decreased sense of smell are temporary. dwarfism may result from inadequate secretion of GH occurs during preadolescence; damage to anterior pituitary Dwarfism attainment of a maximum height that is 40% below normal growth is completed and a pathologic process impairs the function of the pituitary panhypopituitarism with deficiency of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) you need thyroid replacement; levothyroxine (Synthroid) or liothyronine (Cytomel), usually for the rest of the person's life. Gonadotropin deficiency requires lifelong therapy. Symptoms of diabetes insipidus fluid volume defecit, large amt.s of diluted pee, extreme fatigue and weakness, thirst, wt. loss, too little adh/vasopressin Symptoms of SIADH Increased adh/vasopressin, increased bp, fluid retention, low sodium, increased icp, increased HR, weakness, muscle cramps or twitching, anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, headache, wt gain, change in LOC, concentrated urine Acutely ill siadh pt’s (with neurologic symptoms and sodium of 120) treated with: hypertonic saline solution SIADH: Maintain a daily fluid intake of 800 to 1000 mL/day or as advised by your physician. Ice chips and sugarless chewing gums may help you to manage thirst. Weigh daily and notify the physician if you gain 2 lb or more in 1 day. Adverse affects of Demeclocycline for siadh: increased urea and waste in blood, nephrotoxicity (kidney) Lithium toxicity symptoms: tremor, increased reflexes, trouble walking, kidney problems, and an altered level of consciousness, diarrhea, fatigue DISORDERS OF ADRENAL GLANDS: Adrenal hypofunction or primary adrenal insufficiency addisons disease Addison is a result of: a destructive disease affecting the adrenal glands; causes decreased cortisol and aldosterone. The most common cause of Addison disease is idiopathic atrophy (an autoimmune disease in which adrenal tissue is destroyed by antibodies formed by the patient's own immune system.) Secondary adrenal insufficiency is a result of dysfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary (decreased corticotropin, ACTH), which leads to decreased androgen and cortisol production. Can be from tumor. Aldosterone may or may not be affected in secondary Androgens: play a role in male traits and reproductive activity. Present in both males and females. Secreted in adrenal gland adrenal gland secretes steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone; androgen, estrogen possible complications or symptoms of Addison disease: hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, hypovolemia, hyponatremia (not enough aldosterone to regulate water retention, so water is excreted fast. Not enough cortisol to regulate glucose so hypoglycemia), weakness, lethargy, abdominal pain, Skin hyperpigmentation, hair loss Acute Adrenal Crisis (Addisonian Crisis) can be caused by emergency. Stress, trauma, surgery, infection abrupt stopping of steroids If left untreated (adrenal crisis) fluid and electrolyte imbalances can lead to circulatory collapse or dysrhythmias Emergency medical care for adrenal crisis: cortisol levels, IV saline 5% dextrose, hydrocortisone Diagnosis of adrenal crisis: 24-hour urine (reflects steroid secretion over period, most accurate measurement of steroid secretion, varies with the diurnal rhythm. (Glucocorticoids normally peak in the early morning and are at their lowest level in the afternoon); acth levels, cortisol levels treatment of patients with Addison disease: replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Hydrocortisone is commonly used because it contains both. Check circulation. Addisonian crisis is treated with iv fluids, hydrocortisone, electrolytes, dextrose to restore bp (from hypotension) Adrenal Hypersecretion (Cushing Syndrome) Hypersecretion of the adrenal cortex may result in the production of excess amounts of corticosteroids, particularly glucocorticoid. The condition that results from excessive cortisol. Prolonged corticosteroid use. Some caused by tumors. Symptoms of cushings: Truncal obesity (excess adipose in body trunk), protein wasting (slender extremities and very thin and friable skin), Facial fullness, often called a moon face, Purple striae on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs, Osteoporosis (a significant finding in premenopausal women), Hypokalemia, hypertension Diagnositcs for cushings: 24-hour urine collection for free cortisol. Or ct/mri to look for tumor Treatment for cushings: potassium-sparing diuretic spironolactone, Lysodren for tumors (pit. Adenoma) Drugs that suppress adrenal function can lead to acute adrenal crisis Patients with Cushing syndrome should be cautioned that long-term use of: celery, juniper, licorice, and parsley, can cause hypokalemia. Pt. problems r/t cushings Potential for infection related to high serum cortisol levels, Potential for injury (fracture) related to osteoporosis, Potential for disrupted skin integrity related to changes in skin and connective tissue and edema Exposure to people with infections should be avoided because of the patient's decreased resistance to infection. Minor symptoms, such as a low-grade fever (99.5°F or higher), sore throat, or aches, can indicate the onset of a potentially serious infection. Any symptoms indicative of a cold or other problem should be brought to the attention of the physician. Avoid people with infections because you have increased risk of infections; report any temperature elevation to your physician. Mood swings and changes in appearance are usually corrected with treatment. Avoid activities that could result in trauma because you have increased risk of bleeding and fractures. symptoms of impending shock after adrenalectomy: hypotension, a weak or thready pulse, decreased urinary output, and changes in level of consciousness. Pulse and BP may be unstable for 24 to 48 hours after surgery may be needed to maintain BP in the immediate postoperative period and vasopressors problem specific to the adrenalectomy patient is potential for injury related to addisonian crisis as a result of the sudden decrease in adrenal hormone secretion. symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency: vomiting, weakness, hypotension, joint pain, pruritus, and emotional disturbances. Early symptoms of Addison disease may include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, resulting in impaired nutrition. Patients with Addison disease are advised not to restrict salt intake. Patients with Cushing syndrome may experience retention of sodium and water Diet therapy for Cushing syndrome may include decreased caloric and sodium intake and increased potassium intake. Reducing sodium intake can decrease edema and related weight gain with Cushing syndrome. Patients with diabetes insipidus (DI) usually experience: excessive thirst or urination so they (DI) must drink liquids almost continuously to avoid dehydration and hypovolemic shock. pheochromocytoma is a tumor, usually benign, of the adrenal medulla that causes secretion of excessive catecholamines (i.e., epinephrine, norepinephrine) Patients with a pheochromocytoma exhibit episodes of severe hypertension, hypermetabolism, and hyperglycemia. The classic clinical findings are hypertension with a diastolic pressure of 115 mm Hg or higher; severe, pounding headache; and diaphoresis (profuse sweating). flank pain Episodes may be triggered by emotional distress, exercise, manipulation of the tumor, postural changes, trauma special postoperative problems in the patient with pheochromocytoma include greater risk for fluctuations in blood pressure and hypoglycemia Hyperpituitarism, caused by excess anterior pituitary hormones, leads to gigantism or acromegaly. Hyperpituitarism is treated with drugs or surgery to remove the tumor or the entire pituitary (hypophysectomy) Panhypopituitarism is a deficiency of all anterior pituitary hormones and is treated with replacement hormones. DI, caused by deficit in ADH results in massive diuresis and is treated with vasopressin. SIADH, caused by excess ADH, results in fluid retention and is treated with diuretics and demeclocycline. Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease) causes hypoglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and hypovolemia and requires lifelong replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency caused by a sudden marked decrease in adrenal hormones that can lead to circulatory collapse and death. Cushing syndrome results from hypersecretion of cortisol, a glucocorticoid, or from prolonged administration of corticosteroids. Cushing syndrome is characterized by polycythemia, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, and glycosuria. Nursing care for the patient with Cushing syndrome is concerned with potential for infection, anxiety, potential for disrupted skin integrity A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal tumor that increases secretion of catecholamines, causing hypertension, hypermetabolism, and hyperglycemia. THYROID AND PARATHYROID Hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis, is characterized by abnormally increased synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. The most common types of hyperthyroidism are Graves disease and multinodular goiter. Antibodies activate TSH, which stimulates thyroid enlarge & hormone secretion. graves disease periods of remission and exacerbation. Some patients with Graves disease eventually develop hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism symptoms weight loss, anxiety; hair loss, fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritable, poor tolerance of heat, sweating, warm/velvety skin, tremors hand, eyes bulge/exophthalmos Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the heart, causing tachycardia, increased systolic BP, and sometimes atrial fibrillation. (dermopathy) itching and thickening on shins hyrotoxicosis, referred to as thyrotoxic crisis or thyroid storm, is a medical emergency caused by: Excessive stimulation from elevated thyroid levels can produce dangerous tachycardia and hyperthermia. A risk of heart failure.restless, agitated, risk coma how do you diagnose graves disease? test tsh and t4. Tsh decreased; t4 elevated. RAI uptake test Three methods are used to treat hyperthyroidism: (1) drug therapy, (2) radiation therapy, and (3) surgery. may be given to relieve cardiovascular symptoms from hyperthyroidism: propranolol (Inderal) what drugs can treat hyperthyroidism? Thionamides and iodides are antithyroid drugs Thionamides. Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole). It can take up to _ weeks before the effects of thionamides are noticeable. 8; The drugs may be given for months or years. The goal is to induce a remission that will allow the drugs to be discontinued. What tests are important while on theonamides/antithryoid meds Thyroid function tests must be done regularly to prevent hypothyroidism. Rare but serious adverse effects of thionamides are hepatitis and agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a condition in which the production of neutrophils is suppressed. Iodides. Iodides are useful because iodine inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones.; The iodides may also be used to treat thyrotoxicosis/thyroid storm. Saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) can be given to people who have been exposed to radiation to prevent damage to the thyroid gland. Iodine solutions can cause discoloration of the teeth and gastric upset. effects minimized if the iodine solution is diluted with milk, fruit juice through a straw. Signs of iodine toxicity include swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes and increased salivation. RAI (131I) used to treat hyperthyroidism. accumulates in thyroid gland, where it destroys thyroid tissue. Contraindications of RAI: pregnancy. May cause thyroiditis and parotiditis (dry mouth). Hypothyroidism may develop years after treatment. With surgical removed of thyroid, thyroid hormones can get into bloodstream and cause a thyroid storm. Patient problems of hyperthyroidism: Decreased cardiac output related to cardiac dysrhythmias or heart failure caused by excessive thyroid hormone stimulation sleep distrubances heat intolerance, hyperthermia inadequate nutrition (need more calories) eye injury exophthalmos (eye bulging) (limit salt, lubricate eyes, tape shut, ^hob diarrhea from excessive TSH Lack of iodine is associated with the development of a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) in adults, cretinism in infants. (add salt) Parathyroid hormone (PTH), secreted by the parathyroid gland, and thyrocalcitonin, secreted by the thyroid gland, maintain serum calcium levels. For eye symptoms, medications: Methylcellulose eye drops and diuretics may be ordered to decrease inflammation and swelling. And maybe prednisone for couple weeks After thyroid surgery support head when getting up. Rare but serious complications of thyroidectomy are airway obstruction, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage (inflammation will cause airway obstruction), low calcium if parathyroid is damaged. hemorrhage, and tetany (a sign of hypocalcemia associated w damage to the parathyroids. Or thyroid storm. Immediately after thyroidectomy, it is especially important to monitor respiratory status, level of consciousness, wound drainage or bleeding, voice quality, comfort, neuromuscular irritability (muscle twitching, spasms; calcium). Chvostek sign (facial twitch). Trousseau sign (carpopedal spasm) If hypothyroidism isn’t treated early during infancy causes permanent retardation of physical and mental development (cretinism) refers to edema that develops in the hands, face, feet, and area around the eyes with severe, long-term hypothyroidism Myxedema Examples of foods that are goitrogens (suppress thyroid) soybeans, turnips, and rutabagas The incidence of hypothyroidism is 10 to 20 times higher in iodine-deficient parts of the world Hypothyroidism caused by pituitary or hypothalamic disorders is called secondary hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism: headaches, constipation, menstrual disorders, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and intolerance to cold. The pulse tends to be slow and dyspnea may be present. Lethargy. Weight gain. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed based on the laboratory determination of free T4 (low) and TSH Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can progress to myxedema coma; 3 signs of it are: hypothermia, hypotension, and hypoventilation. Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone replacement therapy, most commonly levothyroxine (Synthroid If med has to be changed you should: get tsh levels With levothyroxine immediately report: chest pain Opioids, sedatives, and tranquilizers can precipitate potentially fatal myxedema coma in a severely hypothyroid person. _______ rises if thyroid cancer recurs Thyroglobulin secretion of excess PTH is called hyperparathyroidism. It is caused most often by a tumor called an adenoma High levels of PTH cause calcium to shift from the bones into the bloodstream, increasing calcium levels Side affects of hyperparathyroidism brittle bones, urinary calculi, dysrhythmias, hypertension What does hyperparathyroidism do to your reflexes? theyre hypoactive Treatment of hyperparathyroidism: high fluid intake to dilute the urine. Calcium intake may be restricted. Sodium and phosphorus replacements may be ordered. NS to lower calcium if needed Calcitonin (Calcimar), bisphosphonates (zoledronate), and estrogen inhibit the release of calcium from bones.