Adrenal gland Flashcards Preview

MABS Physiology > Adrenal gland > Flashcards

Flashcards in Adrenal gland Deck (22)
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1
Q

condition resulting form hyper secretion of glucocorticoids and also in this location?

A

cushing syndrome; adrenal cortex

2
Q

what hormone from the pituitary causes Cushing Syndrome?

A

increased pituitary secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, pituitary adenoma, adrenal adenoma

3
Q

what is secreted endogenously from a patient who has Cushing Syndrome?

A

Pituitary hypersecretion of ACTH

Adrenal hypersecretion of cortisol (adenoma, carcinoma, nodular hyperplasia)

Ectopic ACTH (small cell lung cancer)

4
Q

how can a patient develop cushing syndrome exogenously?

A

Administration of exogenous glucocorticoids

5
Q

these are the clinical features of a patient with Cushing Syndrome?

A

HTN, weight cain (truncal obesity, moon face, buffalo hump), decreased muscle mass, catabolic effect on proteins w/ loss of collagen (cutaneous striae, easy bruising, osteoporosis), hirsutism, amenorrhea, increased risk of infection, supravicular fat pads, increased Na, decreased Ca and K

6
Q

what are the diagnostic parameters for someone with Cushing Syndrome?

A

Increased Na and blood glucose levels, decreased K, reduction in eosinophils, disappearance of lymphoid tissue

Urine cortisol levels

Overnight dexamethasone suppression test

7
Q

how can Cushing Syndrome be treated?

A

Surgical removal of tumor, radiation

8
Q

this medical condition is due to the Hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids)?

A

Addison’s disease

9
Q

what are the causes of Addison’s disease?

A

autoimmune/idiopathic atrophy of adrenal glands, surgical removal, infection, inadequate secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland, use of corticosteroids

10
Q

how can Addison’s disease be assessed?

A

Lethargy, fatigue, muscle weakness, GI disturbances, weight loss, menstrual changes in women, impotence in men, postural hypotension, dehydration, emotional disturbances, bronze pigmentation of skin, decreased BP

11
Q

what are the s/s of someone with Addison’s disease crisis?

A

Characterized by cyanosis and classic signs of circulatory shock: pallor, rapid and weak pulse, rapid respirations, decreased blood pressure

Pt may complain of HA, nausea, abd pain, diarrhea, confusion, restlessness

12
Q

what are the diagnostic parameters of someone with Addison’s disease?

A

Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, leukocytosis

Confirmation: low adrenocortical hormone levels in blood or urine and decreased serum cortisol levels

13
Q

how do we manage a patient with Addison’s disease?

A

Immediate tx to prevent shock, IV dextrose, vasopressors, Abx

14
Q

this medical condition is due to the overproduction of aldosterone?

A

Conn’s Syndrome, so this is due to adrenal cortex issues (mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid deficiency/excess)

15
Q

how does Conn’s Syndrome usually present?

A

adenoma, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or carcinoma

16
Q

what are s/s of Conn’s Syndrome?

A

headache, hypokalemia causing muscle weakness, nocturnal polyuria, hand cramping

17
Q

how can we treat Conn’s Syndrome?

A

Adenoma removal, medical tx for hyperplasia w/ sprinolactone

18
Q

this medical condition is due to the hypersecretion of catecholamines(epi and norepi) activate fight/flight response

A

pheochromocytoma from secreting tumors of the medulla

19
Q

how do we assess a patient with pheochromocytoma?

A

Persistent HTN, increased HR, palpitations, weight loss, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, polyuria, pallor, tremor, nervousness, weakness, visual disturbance, pain, histamine test, VMA test (vanillylmandelic acid is a product of catecholamine breakdown)

20
Q

how should we plan to care for someone with pheochromocytoma?

A

Avoid physical/emotional stress, encourage rest, frequent bathing, stay warm, analgesics, sedatives, ample diet, avoid stimulants, self care, post-surgical adrenalectomy or medullectomy

21
Q

what is this the medical condition when there is an Adrenal gland failure d/t bleeding into the adrenal gland?

A

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome caused by severe meningococcal infection or other severe, bacterial infection

22
Q

what are the symptoms of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome?

A

acute adrenal gland insufficiency, profound shock. Deadly without treatment. Adrenal apoplexy.

Decks in MABS Physiology Class (57):