NREMT® Paramedic > EMT-P (4) Medical > Endocrine Emergencies > Flashcards

Endocrine Emergencies Flashcards

Explore the Endocrine system and the prehospital emergencies within (37 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

Hypothalamus

A

Link between the nervous system and endocrine system.

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2
Q

What is the purpose of Antidiuretic Hormone?

ADH

A

Stimulates renal tubules to reabsorb water and retain sodium.

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3
Q

List the major components of the endocrine system.

A
  • Hypothalamus
  • Pituitary Gland
  • Pineal Gland
  • Thyroid
  • Parathyroid
  • Adrenal
  • Pancreas
  • Gonads
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4
Q

What is the function of the Pineal gland?

A

Secretes melatonin to influence sleep/wake patterns.

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5
Q

What is the function of the Pituitary gland?

A

Secretes hormones and regulates the activity of other endocrine glands.

Otherwise known as the ‘master gland’.

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6
Q

What hormones does the Pituitary gland secrete?

A
  • Growth hormone
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone
  • ACTH
  • ADH
  • Oxytocin
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7
Q

What is the function of the Thyroid gland?

A
  • Regulates metabolism.
  • Stimulates energy production.
  • Controls oxygen consumption rate within cells.

Secretes thyroxin and calcitonin.

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8
Q

What is the function of calcitonin?

A

Decreases calcium levels in the body.

Additionally, calcitonin increases the excretion of calcium in the urine by the kidneys.

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9
Q

What is the function of the Thymus gland?

A

Assists immune system to identify and destroy foreign invaders.

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10
Q

What is the function of the Parathyroid gland?

A

Secretes parathyroid hormone to raise calcium levels in the blood.

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11
Q

What is the function of the Adrenal glands?

A

Regulate how much sodium is excreted through the urine.

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12
Q

What is the function of the Adrenal Cortex?

A
  • Produces corticoids and sex hormones.
  • Regulates body’s salt/water balance, immune system, and sexual function.
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13
Q

What is the function of the adrenal medulla?

A

Reacts to stress.

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14
Q

What is the function of aldosterone?

A

Stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium.

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15
Q

What is the function of the Pancreas?

A

Secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and regulates blood glucose via insulin and glucagon.

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16
Q

What is the function of the Islet of Langerhans?

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A

Secrete glucagon and insulin.

17
Q

Study the chart.

Pituitary hormones and their effect.

You need to know which hormones are secreted by the pituitary gland.

18
Q

Define:

Diabetes Mellitus

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A

The body is unable to metabolize glucose.

19
Q

Define:

Type 1 Diabetes

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A

Insulin dependent and does not produce insulin.

20
Q

Define:

Type 2 Diabetes

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A

The body is insulin resistant.

21
Q

What is the normal range of hypoglycemia in adults?

22
Q

What is considered hyperglycemia in BGL?

23
Q

Define:

Pancreatitis

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A

Inflammation of the pancreas.

2 main causes:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • obstruction

24
Q

Define:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

DKA

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A

The body cannot use glucose due to lack of insulin, so it breaks down fat, producing ketones and causing acidosis.

Blood glucose > 250–300 mg/dL

25
# Assessment Diabetic Ketoacidosis
* Polyuria * Polydipsia * Polyphagia * Nausea/vomiting * Kussmaul respirations * Fruity breath (ketones)
26
# Treatment: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
* Fluid: 1L/hr * Monitor potassium
27
# Define: Addison Disease
**Adrenal insufficiency** from **atrophy** of the adrenal glands.
28
# Assessment: Addison's Disease
* Weight loss * Fatigue * Salt craves * Increased pigmentation of the skin.
29
# Treatment: Addison's Disease
* IV Fluids * Steroids (hydrocortisone)
30
# Define: Hyperthyroidism ## Footnote (commonly from Graves’ disease)
**Increased metabolic rate** due to overproduction of thyroid hormones.
31
# Assessment: Hyperthyroidism
* Increased appetite * Weight loss * Protruding Eyeballs * "Orange Peel" skin appearance
32
# Define: Hypothyroidism | Myxedema Coma
**Decreased metabolic rate** of the thyroid gland.
33
# Assessment: Hypothyroidism
* Weight gain * Altered mental status * Fatigue * Feeling cold
34
# Define: Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma | HONK
**Severe hyperglycemia** without significant ketone production or acidosis.
35
# Assessment: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma | HHNC
* BGL typically >600 mg/dL * Lethargy * Drowsiness * Delirium * Coma * Seizures * Visual disturbances * Severe dehydration
36
# Define: Cushing's Syndrome
**Excess cortisol production** by the adrenal glands.
37
# Assessment: Cushing's Syndrome
* Weight gain in face, neck, and upper back. * “Buffalo Hump” * Thirst * Increased urination
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