Glucocorticoids

Question 1

Adrenal cortex secretes..

Answer 1

Glucocorticoids

Adrenal medulla: epinephrine

Question 2

Over secretion and under secretion of Adrenocortical Hormones leads to

Answer 2

Oversecretion: Cushings syndrome

Undersecretion: Addison’s disease

Question 3

Prednisone

Answer 3

Glucocorticoid drug of choice for ORAL.

anti-inflammatory

Question 4

Glucocorticoid methods of administration

Answer 4

Inhalation
Nasal
Topically
Systemic (IV, PO)

Question 5

Glucocorticoid mechanism of action

Answer 5

help to control inflammatory and immune responses
(COX, cytokines like IL-2)

Question 6

Glucocorticoid Indications

Answer 6

Adrenocortical deficiency
•Replacement therapy

Anti-inflammatory/immune:
•Chronic respiratory illnesses eg asthma and COPD
•Organ transplant

Question 7

Glucocorticoid contraindications and caution

Answer 7

CI: Serious infection

Caution: Diabetes, because these drugs will lead to hyperglycemia

Question 8

Glucocorticoid Adverse effects

Answer 8

Excess glucocorticoids mimic Cushing’s Syndrome
●Moon face
●Buffalo hump (fat deposits on neck)
●Abdominal fat
●Thin arms and legs

Hyperglycemia

Question 9

Replacement therapy

Answer 9

Usually, replacement therapy does not produce Cushing’s syndrome

●May need increase in dosage during times of stress
●infections, surgery, other traumas
●eg “3 by 3 rule” for febrile illness

Question 10

Glucocorticoid Client Implications

Answer 10

Sudden discontinuation of glucocorticoids can precipitate an adrenal crisis

Caution with NSAID use (ulcers)

After using an inhaled glucocorticoid, instruct patients to rinse their mouths to prevent possible oral fungal infections

Teach patients on glucocorticoids to avoid contact with people with infections and to report any fever, increased weakness, lethargy, or sore throat