Pituitary Gland
Located at the base of the skull. Divided in two two lobes 1.anterior and 2. posterior.
Secretes regulatory hormones that in turn regulates many bodily functions.
Anterior pituitary secretes (6 hormones)
Posterior pituitary secretes (2 hormones) - these hormones are produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland where they’re secreted as needed.
Anterior Pituitary
FLATPG
For this exam- just need to focus on TSH and GH
Posterior Pituitary
Disorders of the Posterior pituitary result in fluid/electrolyte imbalances
Acromegaly
Too much growth hormone that causes widespread overgrowth ( but not height), untreated can cause hypertension, Diabetes, and heart problems)
-onset is gradual
Risk Factors: Age, benign tumors ( Pituitary Adenoma
S/S:
Diagnostics:
Labs:
Growth Hormone suppression test- where GH is measured at baseline as well as after receiving glucose ( increase Glucose is expected to decrease GH) pts. With acromegaly with show either no decrease or only minor decrease in GH following administration of Glucose
Nursing Actions:
( patients should be NPO, except water for 6-8 hrs prior to test)
Medications:
dopamine agonists- inhibit release of GH
( mesylate, cabergoline)
Somatostatin analogs - inhibit GH release
GH receprot blocker-
Surgical Interventions:
Hypophysectomy (Removal of pituitary gland/ tumors via endoscopic transnasal or oronasal approach)
Radiation- radiate the tumor
Patient Teaching:
If pituitary gland removed- pt will need life long hormonal replacement
Diabetes Insipidus
Primarily DI = decreased ADH
Decreased ADH reduces the ability of the distal renal tubules in the kidney to collect and concentrate urine, resulting in excessive diluted urination, excessive thirst, electrolyte imbalance and excessive fluid intake
Think *WATER WASTING
Types (4):
1. Primary - low ADH production caused by defects in hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Risk Factors:
S/S:
Physical Assessment findings:
Lab Tests:
Serum Chemistry ( THINK HIGHLY CONCENTRATED)
-increased osmolarity
-increased sodium
-increased potassium
-serum volume is lower, but serum concentration is higher
Urine Chemistry:
Nursing Assessment/Considerations:
Medications:
ADH replacement agents
( desmopressin, vasopressin ( IV, orally or intranasally)
SIADH ( syndrome of inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone)
SIADH is excessive release of ADH (OPPOSITE OF DI)
THINK WATER HOLDING / NA WASTING
-leads to renal reabsorption of water and suppression of renin-angiotensin mechanism, causing renal excretion of sodium leading to water intoxication
Risk factors: conditions that stimulate the hypothalamus to hyper secrete ADH include malignant tumors, increased intrathoracic pressure ( like positive pressure ventilation), head injury, meningitis, stroke, tuberculosis, and medications such as ( TCAs, Chemo agents, SSRIs, Opioids, fluoroquinolone antibiotics)
S/S: early manifestations: - headache -weakness -muscle cramps -anorexia -weight gain (without edema because water, not sodium is retained)
As serum sodium levels decrease:
Physical Assessment Findings
manifestations of fluid volume excess ( hypervolemia) include: tachycardia, bounding pulses, possible hypertension, crackles in lungs, distended neck veins, taut skin, weight gain w/o edema, intake greater than output
Lab values:
Urine chemistry- Think Concentrated
Blood Chemistry - Think Diluted
Nursing Care:
-restrict oral intake of fluid to 500-1,000ml/day to prevent further hemodilution- provide comfort measures for thirst, such as oral care, ice chips, lozenges and stagger water intake
Medications : Vasopressin- promote water secretion without causing sodium loss -administer in acute care setting -monitor blood glucose -monitor serum sodium -I/O -bowel movement patterns -frequent oral care -monitor for sins of dehydration
Loop diuretics:
Thyroid
Thyroid gland produces 3 hormones
Secretion of T3 and T4 is regulated by the Anterior pituitary gland through a negative feedback mechanism
When T3 and T4 level decrease, TSH is released from the anterior pituitary , this stimulates more hormones to be released until normal levels are reached.
T3 and T4 affect all body systems by regulating overall metabolism, energy production, and controlling tissue use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
Calcitonin- inhibits mobilization of calcium from bone and reduces blood calcium levels. Dietary intake of protein and iodine are necessary for the production of thyroid hormones
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive thyroid hormones- exaggerating normal body functions and produces a hyper-metabolic state
Risk Factors:
-Graves disease is the most common cause-autoimmune antibodies result in hypersecretion of thyroid hormones- AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE TRAIT passed to females
S/S:
Lab Tests:
Serum TSH: decrease in graves disease, but possibly elevated in secondary or tertiary hyperthyroidism
T4, T3- elevated in presence of disease
Diagnostic procedures:
- Ultrasound images of thyroid gland and surrounding tissues
-electrocardiogram - used to evaluate the effects of excessive TH on the heart(tachycardia, dysrhythmias) ECG changes include a-fib and changes in P and T waves)
nursing considerations pre scan
-advise client to avoid foods high in iodine for 1 week suggest the use of non-iodized salt, avoid fish shellfish and medications containing iodine
Nursing Considerations:
- minimize clients energy expenditure, encourage alternation of activity and rest and assist with activities as necessary
- promote calm environment
-assess mental status changes and decision-making ability
-Monitor nutritional status, providence increase calories and protein- other nutritional support as necessary
-I/O
-Daily weights
- provide eye protection/lubricants, tape eyes closed for pts. with exophthalmos
- monitor vitals and hymodynamic parameters
-reduce room temperature
- provide cool showers/sponge bath to promote comfort
-provide frequent linen changes
- MONITOR TEMPERATURE- an increase of 1* could indicate impending thyroid crisis
-monitor for ECG changes
-avoid excessive palpation of thyroid
-administer antithyroid medications or if goiter is obstructing airway
if unresponsive to med prepare for total/subtotal thyroidectomy
Medications:
Thiaonamides -inhibit productino of thyroid hormones ( methimazole, propylthiouracil)
beta-blockers ( -OLOL)
help with sympathetic nervous system effects of hyperthyroidism
Radioactive iodine therapy- higher doses destroys some of the hormone-producing cells- one dose could be sufficient, or two to three may be needed. - destruction of cells caries and lifelong thyroid replacement therapies may be needed ( effects can take 6-8 weeks to be evident, stay away from pregnant women, children or infants for the first week following treatment, avoid contact closer than 3 feet - and limit for no more than 1 hr daily )
-monitor for sign of hypothyroidism (edema, intolerance to cold, bradycardia, weight gain and depression)
Thyroidectomy -
pre-procedure:
-thianomides for 4-6 weeks prior to surgery
-iodine 10-14 days prior to surgery to help shrink glands
-high protein high carb diet prior to surgery
Post-precedure:
-Hypocalcemia and Tetany can occur if parathyroid glands are damage or removed
( indications are tingling of toes or around mouth, muscle twitching)
-check for chvosteks (face) and trousseaus (wrist) signs
voice may be hoarse
notify nurse of any tingling sensations
-scant bleeding after 24 hrs
Thyroid Storm/Crisis
sudden surge of large amounts of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream
MEDICAL EMERGENCY- high mortality rate
-most commonly in graves disease, infection, trauma, emotional stress, diabetic ketoacidosis and digitalis toxicity , post surgical procedure or thyroidectomy
S/S:
Nursing Considerations:
Hypothyroidism
Low levels of circulating T3 and T4 causing a decrease in metabolic rate
*hypothyroidism can have manifestations that mimic the aging process, so it goes often undiagnosed in elder clients, leading to serious adverse effects from medications ( sedatives, opiates and anesthetics)
Primary- dysfunction of the gland, typically caused by autoimune thyroiditis, medications that decrease synthesis of TH, and loss of thyroid gland due to surgery, radiation, iodine deficiency
secondary- caused by failure of anterior pituitary to stimulate thyroid gland or failure of surrounding tissues to respond to tyroid hormones, ( pituitary tumors)
Tertiary - failure of hypothalamus to produce thyroid-releasing hormone
Risk Factors:
women 30-60 effected 7-10Xs more than men
-mild hypothyroid often goes undiagnosed, but can contribute to increase acceleration of atherosclerosis and complications of medical treatment
-can be cause by lithium or amiodarone
-inadequate intake of iodine
-radiation to head/neck
S/S: ( often vague and varied sxs that develop slowly over time)
Lab results
Diagnostic procedures:
-radioisotope scan- clients will have a low uptake of iodine
-ECG: sinus bradycardia, dysrhythmias
Nursing Considerations:
Medication MGMT:
levothyroxine- thyroid hormone replacement therapy
-increase the effects of warfarin and can increase the need for insulin and digoxin
-medications that accelerate the metabolism of levothyroxine ( phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, sertraline, phenobarbital ) - thus increased dose may be needed to reach therapeutic effects
-begin slowly in elder adults who may have CAD to avoid coronary ischemia because of increased oxygen demands of the heart.
-take medication on empty stomach
-avoid supplements unless discussed with provider- excessive calcium, iron or antacids can interfere with absorption
Myxedema Coma
life-threatening condition that occurs when hypothyroidism is untreated or when a stressor (acute illness, surgery, chemo, discontinuation of thyroid replacement meds or use of sedative/opiates) affects a client who had hypthyroidism
S/S:
Nursing Considerations:
Control of Hormonal Secretions:
Negative feedback
Positive feedback
Biological rhythms
Central nervous system control
Hormonal Circadian Rhythms
Growth hormone- increases during sleep, decreases during wakeful state
cortisol- highest in morning, slowest during sleep
prolactin- resembles growth hormone cycle
aldosterone-peaks in afternoon, declines in evening
testosterone- low in afternoon, high in night
Cushings syndrome
hypercortisolism- cause by over excretion cortisol from the adrenal cortex
Risk Factors: women ages 20-40
Causes:
Tumor of pituitary gland that results in the release of ACTH ( Adrenocorticotropic hormone) that then stimulates cortisol excretion in adrenal cortex.
-can also be cause by hyperplasia( increase or enlargement of an organ or tissue due to increased reproduction of its cells) of the adrenal cortex
-carcinomas of the lung, GI tract or pancreas ( these tumors can secrete ACTH)
-exogenous causes of increased cortisol:
therapeutic use of glucocorticoids for the following:
-organ transplant
-chemo
-autoimmune diseases
-asthma
-allergies
-chronic inflammation
Health promotion/disease prevention:
S/S:
Physical Assessment findings:
LAB Values:
-elevated cortisol ( check urine for elevated free cortisol as well) in the absence of acute illness or stress
if caused by increase in ATCH by anterior pituitary- ACTH level will be elevated
if caused by disorders of adrenal cortex or medication therapy - ACTH levels will be decreased
-salivary cortisol confirms the diagnosis of cushings
Diagnostics:
X-ray, CT, Radiological imaging
Nursing Care:
Medication treatments ( depend on the cause of the disease) -
hydrocortisone- for replacement therapy for clients who have adrenocortical insufficiency
Risk Factors for altered Hormone Regulation
Hormonal supplement therapy Advanced age Obesity Sedentary lifestyle Genetics Chromosomal deficiencies/abnormalities Family history, especially autoimmune responses/conditions Stress Trauma Chronic medical conditions Cancer treatment
transsphenoidal hypophysectomy
Avoid activities that increase pressure at site
Monitor patient for
Post operative Assessment:
Adrenal Cortex- Hormones
Sugar, salt, sex
Sugar- glucocorticoids (cortisol) - cortisol affects glucose, protein and fat metabolism; the bodys response to stress; and the bodys immune function
Salt- mineralcorticords (aldonsterone)- aldosterone increases sodium absorption and causes potassium excretion by the kidneys
Sex- mineralcorticords (androgens/estrogens; testosterone)
Addison’s disease
adrenocortical insufficiency - caused by damage or dysfunction of adrenal cortex
( DECREASE IN ALDOSTERONE AND CORTISOL)
Risk factors for primary Addisons:
Causes of secondary Addisons:
S/S:
Lab Values:
Nursing Care:
Hyperaldosteronism (CONN’s Disease)
Primary and Secondary etiology
Cause: -most common cause is ideopathic -second most common is adenoma Manifestations – hypertension and hypokalemia -increase urine potassium -increase in plasma levels of aldosterone and sodium -decrease in renin plasma levels -Increased BP
Collaborative Care:
( when you see hypokalemia and HTN- suspect CONNS)
Diagnostics:
Parathyroid Disorders
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
PTH increased the excretion of calcium by the kidneys into the urine
PTH enhances the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream
Hyper- Increased serum calcium
Hypo - decreased serum calcium
BONES,STONES, GROANS
Hypo/hypercalcemia
Goiter
Hypertrophy and enlargement of the thyroid
Caused by excessive TSH stimulation from inadequate thyroid hormones
Can be caused by Goitrogens (foods or drugs that suppress gland function)
Enlargement of gland
Interferes with iodine uptake
Surgery may be necessary
What is a priority nursing diagnosis for this patient?
( airway)
Nodules
Palpable deformity
May be benign or malignant
Major sign of thyroid cancer is a hard, painless, nodule on an enlarged gland
Diagnostics:
Ultrasound, CT scan, thyroid scan, MRI and/or Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of thyroid
Can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or autoimmune
Can lead to hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s)
Usually thyroid hormones are elevated but then may become depressed
TSH low, then elevated
Treatment depends on cause and manifestations
Thyroidectomy Post-op Care
Airway – tracheostomy tray at bedside WHY?
ANS: bleeding, swelling of the airway
Assess for bleeding. How? Where?
ANS: behind the neck
Position – Semi Fowlers
Avoid flexion of neck, neutral position of neck
Monitor vital signs and which electrolyte imbalance?
hypocalcemia ( if the parathyroid was damaged or removed)
Diet – permitted to take fluid as soon as tolerated and soft diet the next day