Hyperthyroidism
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Grave's Disease
What hormone levels are typically seen in primary hypothroidism?
Elevated TSH and low T4
What causes iatrogenic (outside influence) Cushing Syndrome?
Prolonged corticosteroid therapy
What hormone deficiencies occur in Addison's disease?
Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens
What is the hallmark electrolyte finding in primary hyperaldosteronism?
Hypokalemia
Which laboratory finding is characteristic of hyperthyroidism?
Low TSH, elevated free T4
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
What are classic physical features of Cushing Syndrome?
Moon face, buffalo hump, truncal obesity, striae (stretch marks)
What electrolyte abnormalities are typical in Addison's disease?
Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia (aldosterone and cortisol deficiencies lead to excess water loss through the kidneys)
What causes primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)
adrenal adenoma
What life-threatening emergency can result from excessive thyroid hormone release?
Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis), dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure, temperature regulation disturbances.
Which medication is used to treat hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in Cushing syndrome?
Hypokalemia (excess cortisol binds and acts like aldosterone resulting in secretion of potassium)
What is the name for the life-threatening complication of acute adrenal insufficiency?
Addisonian crisis (extreme fatigue and weakness, N/V/D, hypotension, fever)
What clinical manifestation is due to sodium retention in hyperaldosteronism?
Hypertension
What drug class provides symptomatic relief by blocking sympathetic stimulation?
beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., propranolol)
What life-threatening complication can occur in severe, untreated hypothyroidism?
Myxedema coma (hypothermia, depressed mental status)
What is a nursing diagnosis related to skin integrity in Cushing syndrome?
Impaired tissue integrity related to skin fragility
What is the cornerstone of treatment for Addison's disease?
Lifelong corticosteroid replacement therapy
what diagnostic test helps confirm hyperaldosteronism?
Elevated plasma aldosterone and low plasma renin activity
What are the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Tachycardia, arrythmias, palpitation, anxiety, weight loss, increased sensitivity to heat, goiter, muscle weakness, thinning skin, brittle hair
What teaching should be given regarding levothyroxine administration?
Take the pill in the morning on an empty stomach and lifelong therapy is required.
What is the most important postoperative concern after adrenalectomy for Cushing syndrome?
Risk for acute adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, loss of appetite)
What teaching is essential for managing Addison's disease?
Carry an emergency corticosteroid kit and wear a medical ID bracelet
What surgical procedure may be curative in primary hyperaldosteronism?