Hormone Havoc
Signs/Symptoms
Labs/Diagnositics
Meds/Mgmt
Complications/Nursing Care
100

This hormone is oversecreted in SIADH.

What is antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

100

Hyponatremia, low urine output, and weight gain are classic signs of this disorder.

What is SIADH?

100

A sodium level below this value suggests hyponatremia seen in SIADH.

What is <135 mEq/L?

100

This synthetic form of ADH is used to treat central diabetes insipidus.

What is desmopressin (DDAVP)?

100

A patient with diabetes insipidus should be monitored for this life-threatening imbalance.

What is hypovolemic shock or dehydration?

200

Diabetes insipidus results from a deficiency of this hormone.

 What is ADH (vasopressin)?

200

Buffalo hump, moon face, and purple striae are signs of this endocrine disorder.

What is Cushing’s syndrome?

200

In diabetes insipidus, urine specific gravity is typically this low.

What is <1.005?

200

Treatment for fluid overload in SIADH may include this class of diuretic.

What are loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide)?

200

During an Addisonian crisis, you must administer these medications immediately.

What are IV steroids and fluids?

300

Addison’s disease involves insufficient production of these two adrenal cortex hormones.

What are cortisol and aldosterone?

300

A patient with SIADH is at greatest risk for this neurologic complication.

What is seizures?

300

A morning cortisol level that is low suggests this disorder.

What is Addison’s disease?

300

Patients with Addison’s disease require lifelong replacement of this hormone.

What is hydrocortisone (or other glucocorticoids)?

300

Patients with Cushing’s syndrome are at higher risk for this complication due to protein breakdown.

What is skin breakdown or poor wound healing?

400

Cushing’s syndrome is most often caused by excessive levels of this hormone.

What is cortisol?

400

Bronze skin, fatigue, and hypotension are hallmark findings in this adrenal disorder.

What is Addison’s disease?

400

Elevated ACTH with low cortisol indicates this condition.

What is primary Addison’s disease?

400

In a patient with Cushing’s syndrome due to long-term steroid use, you should teach about this important medication change.

What is gradual tapering of corticosteroids?

400

Rapid correction of sodium in SIADH can lead to this serious neurologic complication.

What is osmotic demyelination syndrome?

500

In SIADH, excessive ADH secretion causes this fluid balance problem.

What is water retention and dilutional hyponatremia?

500

Patients with this disorder often present with polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration.

What is diabetes insipidus?

500

In SIADH, serum osmolality is low, while urine osmolality is typically this.

What is high (concentrated urine)?

500

Severe symptomatic hyponatremia in SIADH may be treated with this IV solution.

What is hypertonic saline (3%)?

500

Key nursing priority in a patient with Addison’s disease is to monitor closely for this vital sign change indicating adrenal crisis.

What is severe hypotension?