The Endocrine System For Nursing and other Healthcare Students and Passout, Study notes of Nursing

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Functions

1. Maintenance and regulation of vital functions
2. Response to stress and injury
3. Growth and development
4. Energy metabolism
5. Reproduction
6. Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance

Risk Factors for Endocrine Disorders

■ Age ■ Heredity ■ Congenital factors ■ Trauma ■ Environmental factors ■ Consequence of other disorders

Pituitary gland Pituitary Gland Hormones Anterior Lobe Production ■ Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ■ Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ■ Growth hormone (GH) ■ Luteinizing hormone (LH) ■ Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) ■ Prolactin (PRL) ■ Somatotropic growth-stimulating hormone ■ Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Posterior Lobe These hormones are produced by the hypothalamus, stored in the posterior lobe, and secreted into the blood when needed: ■ Oxytocin ■ Vasopressin, antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

1. The master gland; located at the base of the brain
2. Influenced by the hypothalamus; directly affects the function of the other endocrine glands
3. Promotes growth of body tissue, influences water absorption by the kidney, and controls sexual development and function

Adrenal cortex a. The cortex is the outer shell of the adrenal gland. b. The cortex synthesizes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids and secretes small amounts of sex hormones Glucocorticoids: Cortisol, Cortisone, Corticosterone ■ Responsible for glucose metabolism, protein metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, suppression of the inflammatory response to injury, protective immune response to invasion by infectious agents, and resistance to stress Mineralocorticoids: Aldosterone ■ Regulation of electrolyte balance by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion Adrenal medulla a. The medulla is the inner core of the adrenal gland. b. The medulla works as part of the sympathetic nervous system and produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Thyroid gland

1. Located in the anterior part of the neck
2. Controls the rate of body metabolism and growth and produces thyroxine(T4 ), triiodothyronine (T3 ), and thyrocalcitonin

1. Located posteriorly to the stomach
2. Influences carbohydrate metabolism, indirectly influences fat and protein metabolism, and produces insulin and glucagon

Ovaries and testes

1. The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity and produce estrogen and progesterone.
2. The testes are located in the scrotum, control the development of the secondary sex characteristics, and produce testosterone.

Diagnostic Tests

A. Stimulation and suppression tests B. Radioactive iodine uptake C. T3 and T4 resin uptake test E. Thyroid scan F. Needle aspiration of thyroid tissue G. Glucose tolerance test H. Glycosylated hemoglobin

Pituitary Gland Disorders

Anterior Pituitary

■ Hyperpituitarism ■ Hypopituitarism

Posterior Pituitary

These disorders can be caused by damage to the posterior pituitary or hypothalamus: ■ Diabetes insipidus ■ Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Interventions a. Provide emotional support to the client and family. b. Encourage the client and family to express feelings related to disturbed body image or sexual dysfunction. c. Client may need hormone replacement for the specific deficient hormones. d. Client education is needed regarding the signs and symptoms of hypofunction and hyperfunction related to insufficient or excess hormone replacement

Hyperpituitarism a. Hypersecretion of growth hormone by the anterior pituitary gland in an adult; caused primarily by pituitary tumors b. Leads to conditions such as acromegaly and Cushing’s disease Assessment a. Large hands and feet b. Thickening and protrusion of the jaw c. Arthritic changes and joint pain d. Visual disturbancese. Diaphoresis f. Oily, rough skin g. Organomegaly h. Hypertension i. Dysphagia j. Deepening of the voice