ENDOCRINE Flashcards
(60 cards)
What are Antithyroid drugs
slows thyroid down, doesn’t destroy thyroid.
What are the two antithyroid drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism
Propylthiouracil
methimazole
What drug shrinks/destroys thyroid in preparation for removal
Iodine (high levels IV)
What drug decreases the function of the thyroid (possibly permanently). Why would you use it?
Radioactive iodine
Hyperthyroidism Tx
Used for non-pregnant clients
What secondary sx of hyperthyroidism is most concerning and how should you control it?
Tachycardia
Beta blockers
If pt becomes too tachycardic they can become hypotensive and enter thyrotoxicosis (elevated levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the bloodstream, leading to a hypermetabolic state in the body)
What do you need to do BEFORE a thyroidectomy?
Thyroid must be shrunken/prepped before (antithyroid drugs, beta blockers, iodine)
What are the post-op risks of a thyroidectomy?
Can result in postoperative hypothyroidism
Can have postoperative swelling (swelling might compromise airway). Might need additional O2 support
Hemorrhage
HYPOCALCEMIA (r/t accidental damage to parathyroid gland)
May become easily OVERSTIMULATED by thyroid hormone replacement therapy (synthetic T3/4) so you need to watch for increased HR, BP, anxiety, etc.
Hoarseness is expected for 3-4 days after surgery
A pt with HYPERTHYROIDISM is acutely experiencing high fever, extreme tachycardia, angina, agitation, restlessness. What might they be experiencing?
Thyrotoxicosis: Thyroid crisis (storm)
Thyrotoxicosis refers to a condition characterized by elevated levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the bloodstream, leading to a hypermetabolic state in the body
What drugs can cause hypothyroidism as a side effect
amiodarone, lithium
What is the expected calcium level for patients with hyper/hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can lead to elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia). This happens because the increased metabolic activity associated with excess thyroid hormones can stimulate bone resorption, releasing calcium into the bloodstream.
Hypothyroidism may result in lower calcium levels (hypocalcemia) in some cases. The reduced metabolic activity can lead to a decreased release of calcium from bones, and the parathyroid hormone activity may also be affected, impacting calcium balance.
What medications do you give a patient who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
If the pt is acutely ill, start with Liotrix (a combination of T3 and T4, quickly relieves issue) then slowly replace with levothyroxine (Synthroid) based on client response/labs over the span of 4-6 weeks.
A Myxedema coma happens when
metabolism is so slowed from hypothyroidism that people can enter a Coma, hypothermia, respiratory collapse, cardiovascular collapse (potentially cardiac arrest)
DKA is characterized by a triad of:
Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood glucose levels.
Ketosis: The presence of ketones in the blood and urine.
Acidosis: Metabolic acidosis, indicated by low blood pH and low bicarbonate levels
DKA is mostly seen in patients with…
type 1 diabetes
What can cause someone with diabetes to go into DKA?
eating disorder
lots of physical activity
getting off of oral contraceptives
infection
failure of insulin pump/delivery device
What is the difference between DKA and Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)
DKA:
Ketones present in urine and serum
DKA glucose high (350+) but lower than HHS
Type 1 diabetes complication
HHS:
Glucose (600+)
Type 2 diabetes complication
How can you tell someone has been in DKA for a while?
elevated lactate
How do you stabilize someone in DKA?
- fluid replace with LR, then slowly start dextrose to avoid hypoglycemic episode
- IV push insulin, start insulin drip, titrate insulin up/down per hourly BG check
- Bicarb if ABG indicates severe acidosis
What are some clinical manifestations of HHS (Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome)?
Tachycardia w/ orthostatic hypotension
Sunken eyes
Lethargy
What will the ADH values for Central vs. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus be
Central: hypothalamus is not making ADH or pit gland not releasing, so ADH is not in serum to transport to kidneys. ADH value will be LOW
Nephrogenic: brain (pit/hypothalamus) IS releasing ADH but kidneys are damaged and can’t receive signal. ADH value will be NORM/HIGH
What can cause Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Hypercalcemia: chronic causes kidney damage
Severe, persistent hypokalemia: chronic causes kidney damage
Pyelonephritis
Renal disease
Lithium toxicity
What can cause Central Diabetes Insipidus
Vascular disease affecting hypothalamus or pituitary
Traumatic head injury
Surgery in the area close to hypothalamus or pituitary
How do you test the difference between DI (Diabetes Insipidus) and SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone excretion)
Water deprivation test:
take pt’s weight
no water allowed and measure hourly urine output
If pt produces a significant amount of urine, DI
If pt doesn’t produce urine, consider SIADH
How do you test the difference between Central DI (Diabetes Insipidus) and Nephrogenic DI (Diabetes Insipidus)
Vasopressin test:
See pt’s SG of urine
Give pt synthetic ADH (vasopressin)
If SG of urine increases, its Central b/c you didn’t have ADH in your system
If SG in urine stays the same, its Nephrogenic