Diagnosis And Tests Endocrine Flashcards
(32 cards)
What medication is used to treat Conn’s Syndrome before surgery?
Spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist)
What surgical option can cure Conn’s Syndrome if unilateral?
Adrenalectomy
What diagnostic test confirms Conn’s Syndrome?
Aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR)
What electrolyte must be monitored in Conn’s Syndrome?
Potassium
What is the first-line restriction in SIADH management?
Fluid restriction (500–1000 mL/day)
What drug may be used to block ADH in SIADH?
Tolvaptan (vasopressin receptor antagonist)
What lab findings support SIADH diagnosis?
Low serum osmolality, high urine osmolality, hyponatremia
Why is hypertonic saline used cautiously in SIADH?
To avoid rapid sodium correction and central pontine myelinolysis
What is the treatment for Central Diabetes Insipidus?
Desmopressin (synthetic ADH)
What is the treatment for Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus?
Thiazide diuretics, NSAIDs, low sodium diet
What test distinguishes between Central and Nephrogenic DI?
CDI: Water deprivation test, excessive urine should still be present.
NDI: Desmopressin (Synthetic ADH) trial, kidneys will be unresponsive to ADH.
What key lab value confirms DI?
Low urine osmolality with high serum osmolality
What drugs inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis in Graves’ Disease?
Carbimazole or Propylthiouracil (PTU)
Anti-thyroid medications - methimazole
Radioactive iodine treatments
What medication treats symptoms of hyperthyroidism (e.g. palpitations)?
Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol)
What diagnostic imaging supports Graves’ diagnosis?
Radioactive iodine uptake scan
What is a permanent treatment option for Graves’?
Radioactive iodine therapy or thyroidectomy
What is the first-line treatment for Hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (T4 replacement)
How often should TSH be monitored after starting levothyroxine?
Every 6–8 weeks during dose adjustment
What lab confirms primary hypothyroidism?
High TSH, low T3 and T4
What should patients avoid taking with levothyroxine?
The CSI: Calcium, Soy and Iron
(interfere with absorption)
What medication blocks cortisol synthesis in Cushing’s?
Ketoconazole or Metyrapone
What is the definitive treatment for Cushing’s caused by tumors?
Surgical resection (e.g. adrenalectomy, pituitary surgery)
What diagnostic test is used in Cushing’s Syndrome?
Overnight dexamethasone suppression test
What are the nursing interventions in managing a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome?
Monitor glucose as the excess cortisol disrupts normal glucose metabolism, Check BP due to elevated cortisol, skin integrity, infection risk
