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Endocrinology
Pancreas
Characteristics
Acinar Cells Release Digestive Enzymes
Ductal Epithelial Cells Release Bicarbonate
Islets of Langerhans
Beta Cells Release Insulin
Alpha Cells Release Glucagon
Delta Cells Release Somatostatin
Somatostatin Inhibits Alpha and Beta Cells
3 mins
Blood Glucose Lab Value
70-100 mg/dL
25 secs
Diabetes Assessment
Assessment Type 1
Juvenile Onset
Absent Insulin Production
Ketosis Prone
Assessment Type 2
Adult Onset
Insulin Resistance
Obesity
Gestational Diabetes
Onset During Pregnancy
Glucose Intolerance
Complications
Retinopathy
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Nephropathy
Neuropathy
2 mins
Diabetes Insipidus Assessment
Polyuria
Nocturia
Low Specific Gravity (USG)
Polydipsia
Dehydration
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Confusion
2 mins
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Signs and Symptoms
Kussmaul respirations
Dehydration
Abdominal Pain
Nausea/vomiting
Psychosis
Fruity breath Odor
1 min
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Diagnosis and Labs
Diagnosis
Blood glucose Increased > 250 mg/dL
Anion gap metabolic acidosis
Decreased pH < 7.3
Decreased serum bicarbonate < 18
Plasma ketones
Other Labs
Hyperkalemia
1 min
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Treatment
Initial Management
IV Normal Saline
Regular Insulin Drip
Subsequent Management (correction of electrolytes)
Potassium (K+)
Glucose
Treat Underlying Cause
Monitoring
Venous pH
Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3)
1 min
Hyperglycemia
Mechanism
Insulin Resistance
Too Little Insulin/Medication
Infection/Illness
Corticosteroids
Assessment
Elevated Blood Glucose
Polyphagia
Polydipsia
Polyuria
Hypotension
Fatigue/Drowsiness
1 min
Hypoglycemia Assessment
Mechanism
Too much insulin
Decreased glucose
Assessment
< 70 mg/dL
Change in LOC
Lethargic
Confusion and Irritability
Tremors
Diaphoresis
Tachycardia
Vision Changes
Weakness
Seizures
2 mins
Hypoglycemia Intervention
Interventions
Mild to Moderate Hypoglycemia
Simple Carbohydrate (Oral Dextrose, Fruit Juice, Candies)
Complex Carbohydrate (Whole Grains, Vegetables)
Severe Hypoglycemia or Unconscious
50% Dextrose
Glucagon
Considerations
Monitor Blood Glucose Q 10-15 Minutes
Give Small Meal After Intervention
Patient Education
Hypoglycemia Prevention
Encourage Self-Monitoring
3 mins
Thyroid Gland
Characteristics
TSH Stimulates T3 and T4 Release
Metabolism Regulation
Blood Calcium Sensor
Calcitonin Release
Blood Calcium Decreases
Bone Building
2 mins
Parathyroid Gland
Characteristics
Blood Calcium Sensor
Parathyroid Hormone
Bone Resorption
Blood Calcium Increases
Vitamin D Activation
Calcium Absorption From The Small Intestine
1 min
Hyperthyroidism Assessment
Assessment
Heat Intolerance
Exophthalmos
Warm, Moist Skin and Silky Hair
Tremors
Goiter
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Amenorrhea
Diagnosis
Decreased TSH with Elevated Free T4
Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU)
2 mins
Hypothyroidism Assessment
Assessment
Weight Gain - Edema
Lethargy
Cold Intolerance
Bradycardia
Hypertension
Brittle Nails and Dry Skin
Constipation
Goiter
Prolonged Menses
Slowed Thinking
Diagnostic Tests
Decreased Free T4
Increased TSH
2 mins
Hypothyroidism Intervention
Medications
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Liothyronine (Cytomel)
Complication
Myxedema Coma
Nursing Considerations
Lifelong Replacement Hormone
Monitor Vital Signs
Fluids and Fiber
Low Calorie, Low Fat Diet
Medication Education
No Switching Brands
2 mins
Graves' Disease Characteristics
Women 20-40 years old
Pathophysiology
Anti-TSH Receptor Antibodies
Symptoms
Ophthalmopathy
Exophthalmos
Hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Pretibial Myxedema
1 min
Hypercalcemia
Assessment
> 10.5 mg/dL Ca2+
Pathologic Fractures
Lethargy
Hypercoagulation
Constipation
ECG Changes
QT Shortening
Interventions
No Calcium Intake
Chelating Drugs
Calcitonin
Bisphosphonates
Loop Diuretics instead of Thiazide Diuretics
Considerations
Increased Risk for Renal Calculi
Increase Fluids
3 mins
Hypercalcemia Causes
Two CHIMPANZEES Acronym
Thyroid Disorders
Calcium Supplements
Hyperparathyroidism
Iatrogenic (Drugs, immobility)
Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Paget's Disease of Bone
Acromegaly or Addison's Disease
Neoplasms
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Excessive Vitamin A
Excessive Vitamin D
Sarcoidosis
2 mins
Hypocalcemia
Muscle Spasms
Assessment
< 8.5 mg/dL Ca2+
Decreased Bone Density
Tetany
Chvostek's Sign
Trousseau's Sign
Increased DTR
ECG Changes
QT Prolongation
Considerations
Oral and IV Replacement of Ca2+
Seizure Precautions
2 mins
Hypocalcemia Treatments
Characteristics
Treat Underlying Disorder
Acute Treatments
IV Calcium Gluconate
Cardioprotective
Chronic Treatments
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Citrate
Vitamin D Supplements
Considerations
Treat Hypomagnesemia
2 mins
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