Week 4-Endocrine System

Question 1

What is T1DM

Answer 1

An autoimmune disorder in which pancreatic beta cells are destroyed, leading to absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia

Question 2

What are the hallmark symptoms of T1 DM

Answer 2

Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision

Question 3

What is Type 2 DM

Answer 3

A metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, commonly associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle

Question 4

What is T3 DM

Answer 4

A proposed classification linking insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation ot neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers disease

Question 5

What are signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?

Answer 5

Moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, hypertension, mood changes and hyperglycaemia

Question 6

What is cushing’s syndrome

Answer 6

a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, either due to endogenous overproduction or exogenous steroid use

Question 7

what is adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison’s disease)?

Answer 7

A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, leading to fatigue, hypotension and electrolyte balance

Question 8

What is a key feature of Addisons disease

Answer 8

Acute adrenal failure causing life threatening hypotension, dehydration , hypoglycaemia and shock

Question 9

What is hyperthyroidism

Answer 9

Excessive production of thyroid hormones, increasing metabolic rate, often caused by Grave’s disease

Question 10

What are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Answer 10

Heat intolerance, weight loss, anxiety, tachycardia, tremor and goitre

Question 11

What is hypothyroidsim

Answer 11

A condition where the thyroid glad does not produce enough hormones, slowing metabolic processes

Question 12

What are the signs of hypothyroidism

Answer 12

Cold intolerance, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, depression and dry skin

Question 13

What is the first step of assessing a patient with an endocrine disorder?

Answer 13

Comprehensive health history, presenting symptoms, medication use, risk factors like family history and autoimmune disease

Question 14

What are person-centres nursing priorities in managing endocrine disorders

Answer 14

Tailoring interventions to individual beliefs, lifestyle, age and health literacy while promoting patient autonomy

Question 15

key nursing assessments for diabetic patients

Answer 15

Blood glucose monitoring, foot checks, skin integrity, hydration status and signs of hyper or hypoglycaemia

Question 16

What interprofessional team members are vital in managing endocrine disorders

Answer 16

Endocrinologist, diabetes educator, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, podiatrist and mental health professionals

Question 17

How does insulin treat diabetes

Answer 17

It facilitates glucose uptake into cells and regulates BGL, preventing hyperglycaemia

Question 18

Name 2 types of insulin

Answer 18

Rapid-acting (Lispro) and longacting (Glagine)

Question 19

What is the role of glucocorticoids in adrenal insufficiency

Answer 19

They replace deficient cortisol, stabilise BP, reduce inflammation and support stress responses

Question 20

What medications are used to treat hyperthyroidsim

Answer 20

Anti-thyroid drugs such as carbimazole or proplthiouracil, which inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis

Question 21

What causes diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). in Type 1 DM

Answer 21

Absolute insulin deficiency leads to fat breakdown for energy, producing ketones which cause metabolic acidosis

Question 22

What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHC)

Answer 22

A life threatening complication of T2DM involving severe hyperglycaemia, profound dehydration and altered consciousness without ketone formation

Question 23

What are early signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia

Answer 23

sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion, palpitations and irritability

Question 24

How is hypoglycaemia managed

Answer 24

Give 15g of oral glucose if consious, if not administer IV dectrose or IM glucagon, then reasses BGL

Question 25

What are key nursing priorities when managing Type 2 Diabetes?

Answer 25

Regular BGL monitoring, promoting exercise and a balanced diet, ensuring medication adherence, and screening for complications.

Question 26

What is the pathophysiology of Cushing’s syndrome?

Answer 26

Chronic exposure to elevated cortisol levels increases gluconeogenesis, suppresses immunity, and alters fat metabolism and distribution.

Question 27

What is a thyroid storm?

Answer 27

A rare, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism marked by fever, tachycardia, vomiting, delirium, and cardiovascular collapse.

Question 28

What are key nursing interventions during a thyroid storm?

Answer 28

Administer antithyroid medications, beta-blockers, cooling measures, oxygen, and IV fluids; monitor vital signs closely.

Question 29

What are examples of oral hypoglycaemic agents used in T2DM?

Answer 29

Metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Question 30

What are important nursing considerations when administering Metformin?

Answer 30

Monitor renal function, hold before contrast imaging, and watch for GI side effects or signs of lactic acidosis.

Question 31

What is the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 31

They replace cortisol, helping to regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular function.

Question 32

What are adverse effects of long-term glucocorticoid therapy?

Answer 32

Weight gain, osteoporosis, hyperglycaemia, immunosuppression, hypertension, and adrenal suppression.

Question 33

How is hypothyroidism typically treated?

Answer 33

With daily oral levothyroxine, titrated based on TSH levels and clinical response.

Question 34

How do endocrine disorders differ in children versus older adults?

Answer 34

Children may have growth or puberty delays, while older adults may have vague symptoms and multiple comorbidities.

Question 35

What are some cultural considerations in diabetes care?

Answer 35

Be mindful of traditional diets, fasting practices, health beliefs, and family involvement in care decisions.

Question 36

How can endocrine disorders affect mental health?

Answer 36

Hormonal imbalances may contribute to anxiety, depression, mood swings, or altered body image.

Question 37

How should a nurse perform a diabetic foot assessment?

Answer 37

Inspect skin for ulcers or infections, check pulses, assess temperature, and test for sensation using monofilament.

Question 38

What is the role of the dietitian in endocrine management?

Answer 38

They develop personalised nutrition plans to manage blood glucose, prevent complications, and support lifestyle changes.

Question 39

What is the mechanism of action of thioamides (e.g. Carbimazole) in hyperthyroidism?

Answer 39

They inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis by preventing the binding of iodine to tyrosine, thus decreasing T3 and T4 production.

Question 40

What are important nursing considerations for thioamide therapy?

Answer 40

Monitor thyroid function tests monthly, avoid abrupt discontinuation, and educate that clinical response may take weeks to months.

Question 41

What are potential adverse effects of Carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole)?

Answer 41

Skin rash, fatigue, sore throat, low white blood cell count (risk of infection), liver toxicity, and nausea.

Question 42

What is Lugol’s iodine used for in hyperthyroidism?

Answer 42

It inhibits T3 and T4 synthesis and release, and reduces thyroid vascularity, often used pre-thyroidectomy.

Question 43

What is the nursing role in managing patients taking Lugol’s iodine?

Answer 43

Monitor for signs of iodism (metallic taste, sore gums), use as adjunct to antithyroid drugs, and prepare patients for possible surgery.

Question 44

What is the role of beta blockers in hyperthyroidism?

Answer 44

They control symptoms such as tachycardia, anxiety, and tremors by blocking sympathetic nervous system activity.

Question 45

What is hydrocortisone used for in endocrine disorders?

Answer 45

It is a glucocorticoid used to replace cortisol in adrenal insufficiency and to reduce inflammation.

Question 46

What are key nursing care considerations for hydrocortisone?

Answer 46

Administer with food, monitor BGLs, watch for infection, avoid sudden cessation, and assess for fluid retention and hypertension.

Question 47

What is the function of fludrocortisone in adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 47

It is a mineralocorticoid that helps retain sodium and water while promoting potassium excretion, maintaining blood pressure.

Question 48

What signs indicate fludrocortisone overdose?

Answer 48

Oedema, weight gain, hypertension, hypokalaemia, and signs of fluid overload (e.g. shortness of breath, darkened urine).