ENDOCRINE BASICS
This system uses hormones to regulate body functions.
What is the endocrine system?
Known as the “master gland” of the endocrine system.
What is the pituitary gland?
This hormone helps regulate blood glucose levels:
What is insulin?
A disorder where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar.
What is diabetes?
Healthcare workers must recognize how endocrine disorders affect this.
👉 What is patient safety?
Chemical messengers released directly into the bloodstream.
What are hormones?
This gland regulates metabolism and energy use:
What is the thyroid gland?
These hormones influence growth and development.
What are growth hormones?
Too much or too little thyroid hormone can affect this.
👉 What is metabolism?
Diabetic patients may have delayed healing, increasing the need for this.
👉 What is proper sterilization?
This system works more slowly than the nervous system but has longer-lasting effects
What is the endocrine system?
These glands help the body respond to stress:
What are the adrenal glands?
Hormones affect this process that turns food into energy:
👉 What is metabolism?
Endocrine disorders can slow this process, affecting wound healing:
👉 What is healing/recovery?
Stress hormones can impact this body system’s response to illness.
👉 What is the immune system?
This process helps maintain balance within the body:
What is homeostasis?
This gland controls blood sugar levels:
What is the pancreas?
These hormones prepare the body for “fight or flight.”
👉 What are adrenaline/epinephrine?
Why endocrine knowledge is important in sterile processing.
👉 What is understanding patient conditions and safety risks?
Understanding hormones helps SP technicians appreciate this about patients.
👉 What is individual patient needs/conditions?
Endocrine glands release hormones directly into this system:
What is the circulatory (bloodstream) system?
This brain structure links the nervous system and endocrine system.
What is the hypothalamus?
This type of feedback helps regulate hormone levels in the body.
What is negative feedback?
Endocrine imbalances can increase the risk of this in healthcare settings.
👉 What are infections or complications?
This is the ultimate goal of sterile processing in relation to endocrine health.
👉 What is preventing infection and supporting safe patient outcomes?