unit 7 Flashcards
(115 cards)
What condition is characterized by insufficient aldosterone production?
Addison’s Disease (Primary Adrenal Insufficiency).
What are the causes of Addison’s Disease?
Insufficient production of aldosterone and cortisol due to adrenal gland dysfunction.
What are common symptoms of Addison’s Disease?
Fatigue, low blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), and hyponatremia (low sodium levels).
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
A condition characterized by excess cortisol production, often due to a tumor or overuse of corticosteroid medications.
What are the common causes of Cushing’s Syndrome?
- Pituitary adenoma (Cushing’s disease) leading to excess ACTH.
- Adrenal tumors causing overproduction of cortisol.
- Exogenous corticosteroid use (e.g., prednisone or hydrocortisone).
What are common symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome?
- Weight gain (especially around the abdomen and face).
- Thin skin.
- Easy bruising.
- Hypertension.
- Hyperglycemia.
- Osteoporosis.
- Emotional disturbances like anxiety or depression.
What defines hyperkalemia?
Serum potassium concentration greater than 5.5 mEq/L.
What are some causes of hyperkalemia?
- Renal failure (impaired kidney function).
- Diminished aldosterone secretion.
- Severe burns.
- Rapid IV administration of potassium.
How do diuretics work?
Diuretics increase urine production by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, which reduces blood volume and blood pressure.
What are some common uses of diuretics?
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Heart failure (to reduce fluid overload).
- Edema (fluid retention).
What is the difference between a Lower UTI and an Upper UTI?
Lower UTI: Restricted to the bladder and urethra, involves superficial mucosa, and generally has no long-term effects.
Upper UTI: Affects the kidneys and ureters, involves deep renal tissue, and can permanently damage the kidneys.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
A UTI is diagnosed when there are 100,000 organisms of the same bacterial species per milliliter of urine.
What are some factors that predispose individuals to UTIs?
- Female sex
- Pregnancy
- Prostate disease
- Stones
- Obstruction
- Reflux
- Congenital anomalies
- Diabetes
- Renal transplant
- Catheters
- Urinary stones
- Chronically infected prostate gland
- Immunosuppression
What is an uncomplicated UTI?
An uncomplicated UTI is defined as an infection in a healthy, non-pregnant, pre-menopausal female with an anatomically and functionally normal urinary tract.
What are common symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI?
- Burning/stinging during urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Increased frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Inflamed bladder
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
What pathogens are commonly involved in UTIs?
- Gram-negative organisms:
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella spp.
- Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris
- Gram-positive bacteria:
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Staphylococcus spp.
What is the recommended treatment for non-pregnant women with a UTI?
Antibiotics should be prescribed if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours, or immediate antibiotics can be prescribed for 3 days.
What is the treatment for UTIs in pregnant women?
Pregnant women should receive immediate antibiotics for UTIs.
What is the treatment for UTIs in men?
Immediate antibiotics for 7-10 days.
What are some common antibiotics for treating UTIs?
- Trimethoprim (200mg BD)
- Nitrofurantoin (100mg MR BD or SUG&DS)
- Cefalexin (500mg BD), but not recommended due to the risk of Clostridium difficile infection.
What are some self-care measures for UTIs?
- Drink plenty of water.
- Go to the toilet regularly and don’t hold urine.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Empty bladder after sex.
- Avoid perfumed bubble baths and soaps.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
What are some preventive measures for UTIs in children?
- Ensure the child is well-hydrated.
- Encourage regular toilet visits and not holding urine.
- Address constipation and ensure the child drinks enough fluids to keep urine pale.