The Endocrine System Unit 42
Adonis K. Lomibao, R.N.
12/22/11
Objectives
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Spell & Define terms
Review the location & functions of the
endocrine system
5 Diagnostic tests associated with endocrine
conditions
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Describe common diseases
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S&S of hypo/hyperglycemia
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PCT actions
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Fingerstick for glucose
Structure & Function
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Endocrine glands
-secret hormones that regulate body activities
-control body activities & growth
-distinct glands or clusters of cells
-subject to disease that cause hypo or
hypersecretion of hormones
Pituitary Gland
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
Master gland b/c controls most of the other
glands
2 lobes:
-anterior lobe secretes STH,TSH, FSH,
ACTH,ICSH, LTH
-posterior secretes ADH & Pitocin
Pineal Body
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
Small gland located in the skull beneath the
brain
Produces:
-glomerulotropin
-serotonin
-melatonin
Adrenal Glands
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One located atop each kidney
Adrenal medulla(inside)- produces
norepinepherin & epinephrine(stimulate body
to produce energy quickly during an
emergency
The adrenal cortex(outside)- produces
glucocorticoids, mineral corticoids, &
gonadocorticoids
Gonads
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Male & female sex glands.
Females have two ovaries located in the
pelvic cavity...produce estrogen &
progesterone.
-Produces ovum
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Males have 2 testes contained in the
scrotum...produce testosterone.
-produces sperm
Thyroid & Parathyroid glands
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Thyroid-2 lobes found in the neck
-secretes thyroxine(iodine important component)
& thyrocalcitonin

Parathyroid glands- embedded in posterior
thyroid glands.
-manufactures parathormone
-tetany: sever muscle spasms(can lead to
death)
Islets of Langerhans
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Cells found in pancreas
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Produce insulin & glucagon
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Insulin lowers blood sugar
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Glucagon raises blood sugar
Hyperthyroidism

Overactivity of the thyroid gland
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S&S:
-irritability & restlessness
-nervousness
-rapid pulse
-increased appetite
-weight loss
-sensitivity
Hyperthyroidism
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
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PCT Actions: patience, quiet & cool room, nutritional
needs
Treatment: reduce level of thyroxine with
thyroidectomy or radiation
Thyroidectomy post-op:
-semi-fowler's position with neck supported
-assist with oxygen
-routine post-op care
-report bleeding, resp. distr,inability to speak, elevated
temp or pulse,numbness or tingle of extremities.
Hypothyroidism

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Undersecretion of thyroxine
Lack of iodine can result in low thyroxine
production
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Called simple goiter
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Thyroid gland enlarges
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Treatment: can be managed with thyroxine
replacement
Common Parathyroid Glands
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Parathormone regulates level of electrolytes,
calcium, & phosphates
Hypersecretion results in:
-hypercalcemia
-renal calculi
-loss of bone calcium
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Usually caused by tumors---can be removed.
Hyposecretion can lead to abnormal musclenerve interaction, severe muscle
spasm(tetany) calcium to treat emergency
Conditions of Adrenal Glands
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Regulate development & maintenance f sexual
characteristics, carb/fat/prot metabolism, fluid
balance, sod & K levels
Hypersecretion results in Cushins's syndome:
-weakness
-hyperglycemia
-edema
-hypertension,loss of K and retaining of sodium
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Masculinity of female
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Surgical & supportive treatment
Cont.
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Hyposecretion results in Addison's Disease
characterized by:
-loss of sod & retension of K
-hypoglycemia
-dehydration
-low stress tolerance
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Treated by hormone replacement &
techniques to combat dehydration
Diabetes Mellitus
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Chronic disease that results from a deficiency
of insulin or a resistance to effects of insulin
Glucose from food breakdown remains in
blood—elevated blood sugar
Affects blood vessels & nerves—person more
likely to develop heart attack, stroke,
blindness, renal disease, etc.
Risk factors: heredity,obesity, age, diet, lack of
exercise
Disease Mechanism
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Glucose in blood increases—pancreas
secretes more insulin
Glycogen is storage form of energy
Diabetes—insufficient insulin for these
functions
Types of Diabetes
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Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(Type 1)more common in young & must take daily
insulin to live
S&S:
-polyuria
-polydipsia
-polyphagia
-glucosuria
Types Cont.
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Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitusmetabolic disorder that occurs when the body
does not make enough insulin, or does not
properly use insulin
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Most common form 90-95%
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S&S:
-easy fatigue, skin infections, slow healing,
itching,vision changes, obesity, p.736
PCT Care Diabetes
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Eat a healthful, well-balanced diet-weight
reduction is favored (ADA Diet)
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Exercise regularly
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Check blood sugar regularly
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Use insulin or antidiabetic agents if ordered
-Insulin
Insulin
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Several types of insulin vary in;
-speed of action
-duration
-potency or strength
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Given by nurse
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Injection or pump
Complications of Diabetes
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Renal disease
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Circulatory imparements
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Poor healing
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Hypertension
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Cardiovascular problems
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Diabetic coma
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Vision problems & blindness
Hypoglycemia
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Blood glucose level is below normal
-may occur rapidly
-insulin reaction/shock if insulin OD
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Can be brought on by: skipping meals,drug
interaction, etc. p.738
S&S: complaints of hunger, weakness,
dizziness, shakiness, skin
cold/moist/clammy/pale...p.738
Hyperglycemia
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Occurs when there is insufficient insulin for
metabolic needs(diabetic coma)
-usually develops slowly
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May be brought on by: stress, illness,
dehydration, etc. p739
S&S: headache, drowsiness, confusion,fruity
breath, deep breathing, p.738
PCT Roles
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Know S&S of insulin shock & insulin coma
Know location of assimilated(absorbed)
sources of carbs
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Do not give extra food without permission
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Serve proper tray
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Special attention to feet
-wash daily
-inspect
-p. 739
Blood Glucose Monitoring
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Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) -a series of stable
minor hemoglobin components formed from
hemoglobin & glucose
-measure glucose levels in blood over
prolonged period of time.

Fingerstick blood sugar collects sample of
capillary blood with a lancet(tiny needle).
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Normal fasting range: 65-120
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Normal value:70-110
Notify Nurse...
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If BS Value is outside of range
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Inadequate food intake
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Eating food not permitted
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Refusal of meals,supps, snacks
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N&V, Diarrhea
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Inadequate fluid intake
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Excessive activity
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Complaints of dizziness, shakiness, racing
heart