Unit 42
Endocrine System
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Objectives
• Spell and define terms.
• Review the location and functions of the
endocrine system.
• List five specific diagnostic tests
associated with conditions of the
endocrine system.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Objectives
• Describe some common diseases of the
endocrine system.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of
hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
• Describe nursing assistant actions
related to the care of patients with
disorders of the endocrine system.
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Objectives
• Perform blood tests for glucose levels if
facility policy permits.
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.
Structure and Function
• Endocrine glands
– Secrete hormones
– Control body activities and growth
– Distinct glands or clusters of cells
– Subject to diseases that can result in
hyposecretion or hypersecretion of
hormones
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Structure and Function
• Hormones
– Chemicals that regulate the body’s
activities
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Diabetes Mellitus
• In the United States
– 20.8 million people have diabetes mellitus
– Approximately 6.2 million of these people
have not been diagnosed yet
• Diabetes mellitus
– Chronic disease from a deficiency of
insulin or a resistance to effects of insulin
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Diabetes Mellitus
• About one in every 400 to 600 children
and adolescents in the U.S. have
diabetes.
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Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Bedside glucose testing
– Very common in the management of
patients with diabetes
• Many individuals perform this testing at
home several times each day.
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Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Blood glucose testing
– Common procedure in health care facilities
• Take care to avoid cross contamination
and bloodborne pathogen infection
during and after this procedure.
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Glycated Hemoglobin
• Glycated hemoglobin
– Called “A1C”
• Test measures blood glucose over a 90day period of time
– Provides a snapshot of the patient’s
diabetic control
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Glycated Hemoglobin
• Percentage of A1C in whole blood is
approximately:
– 50 percent from the most recent thirty days
– 25 percent from the previous thirty to 60
days
– 25 percent from the previous sixty to 90
days
Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.