WEEK 8: Endocrine System Flashcards
(50 cards)
Goiter
An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, often due to iodine deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
Myxedema Coma
A life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism characterized by hypothermia, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression.
Cretinism
A congenital hypothyroid condition resulting from iodine deficiency or thyroid gland dysfunction in infancy, leading to stunted growth and intellectual disability.
Hyperglycemia
A condition where blood glucose levels are elevated above normal, often due to insulin deficiency or resistance.
Ketosis
A metabolic state in which the body burns fat for energy due to insufficient glucose availability, producing ketone bodies.
Glycosuria
The presence of glucose in the urine is typically due to elevated blood glucose levels exceeding renal reabsorption capacity.
Polyuria
Excessive urination, often a symptom of diabetes mellitus due to osmotic diuresis.
Polydipsia
Excessive thirst, commonly associated with diabetes due to fluid loss from polyuria.
Polyphagia
Excessive hunger, often a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose properly.
Lipodystrophy
Abnormal or degenerative conditions of the body’s adipose tissue, often seen at insulin injection sites due to repeated use.
Ketonuria
The presence of ketone bodies in the urine indicates fat metabolism due to glucose deficiency, as seen in diabetes mellitus.
Hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia.
Hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, causing weight loss, tachycardia, heat intolerance, and nervousness.
Cushing’s Syndrome
A disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, leading to symptoms such as moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, and fragile skin.
Addison’s Disease
A disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, resulting in fatigue, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation.
Adrenal Insufficiency
A condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate hormones, leading to weakness, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
Diabetes Insipidus
A disorder characterized by insufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive thirst and large volumes of dilute urine.
Diabetes Mellitus
A metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance, classified as Type 1 (autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells) or Type 2 (insulin resistance).
Giantism
This condition is caused by excess growth hormone secretion before the closure of growth plates, leading to abnormal height and growth.
Describe hypothyroidism, including pathophysiology and manifestations.
-Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate thyroid hormones (T3, T4), leading to a slow metabolic rate.
-Causes include autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), iodine deficiency, and post-thyroidectomy states.
-Manifestations include fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, weight gain, constipation, depression, and bradycardia.
List diagnostic tests used for hypothyroidism
-Serum TSH (elevated in primary hypothyroidism)
-Free T4 (low)
-thyroid antibodies for autoimmune causes.
Who is more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism, men or women?
Women, especially those over 50.
Outline nursing care for the client who has hypothyroidism.
Monitor for signs of myxedema coma, administer prescribed levothyroxine, encourage a balanced diet, and provide patient education on lifelong therapy.
Describe the causes, signs, and symptoms of cretinism.
Congenital hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency or thyroid gland defects leads to stunted growth, developmental delays, a large tongue, and poor feeding.
