Endocrine Disorders

Question 1

what do adrenal glands release?

Answer 1

epinephrine (adrenalin) for fight or flight response

Question 2

pheochromocytoma

Answer 2

stimulates release of adrenaline resulting in tachycardia and HTN crisis

treat with phentolamine (Regitine), nitroprusside (Nipride), or labetalol

Question 3

Cushing Syndrome has elevated levels of

Answer 3

glucocorticoids (Decadron) resulting in moon face, buffalo hump, fatty clavicles, & insomnia

Question 4

what is a thyroid storm?
(grave’s disease)

Answer 4

• severe hypermetabolism from overactive thyroid gland
• elevated T3 & T4
• low TSH

Question 5

signs & symptoms of thyroid storm

Answer 5

• extreme hyperthermia
• tachydysrhythmias
• agitation/mania
• tremors
• goiter
• exophthalmos

Question 6

what is myxedema coma

Answer 6

severe complication of hypothyroidism with decreased metabolism and progressive mental deterioration

most common in older females in cold weather

Question 7

signs & symptoms of myxedema coma

Answer 7

• fatigue
• weight gain
• tongue swelling
  -confusion “myxedema madness”

Question 8

what medication mask signs of hypoglycemia

Answer 8

beta blockers

Question 9

DKA

Answer 9

(diabetic) >blood sugars
(ketones) in urine
(acidosis <7.35)

-signs of shock: tachy, n/v, abdominal pain, deep respirations (Kussmaul), acetone odor breath, mental status

• treat with sodium bicarbonate
• continue insulin until you close anion gap which resolves the ketosis and acidosis