Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism: There is an excess thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. Overview Excess secretion of thyroid hormone (TH) from thyroid gland Results in Increased Metabolic Rate Nursing Points General Causes Graves’ Disease (autoimmune) Excess secretion of TSH from Pituitary Thyroid, Pituitary, or Hypothalamic Tumor Medication Reaction Thyroid Storm (Thyroid Crisis) Acute Exacerbation due to […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate antidiuretic Hormone Secretion)
Pathophysiology: There is an excess of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) causing fluid volume overload and water intoxication. Hyponatremia occurs because of fluid overload. Overview Excess secretion of ADH from posterior pituitary Hyponatremia Water intoxication Nursing Points General Causes Head trauma Brain tumors Cerebral Edema Infection Medications Assessment Fluid Volume Excess Hypertension JVD Crackles Hyponatremia Altered LOC, […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
Pathophysiology: There is a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). With inadequate amounts of antidiuretic hormone, the body continues to excrete urine and polyuria occurs. Overview Hyposecretion or failure to respond to ADH from posterior pituitary Excess water loss Nursing Points General Urine output → 4L to 30L in a 24-hour period Excessive dehydration Causes Neurogenic→ […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Cushings Syndrome
Overview Hypersecretion of glucocorticoids leading to elevated cortisol levels A greater incidence in women Life-threatening if untreated Nursing Points General Causes Adrenal or Pituitary Tumor The pituitary gland controls adrenal hormones Overuse or Chronic use of Corticosteroids Adrenal Cortex Glucocorticoids Cortisol Glucose & Fat Metabolism Anti-inflammatory Mineralocorticoids Aldosterone Regulate fluid and electrolytes Sex hormones (Androgens) […]
Addisons Disease
Pathophysiology: Addison’s occurs because there is an elevated level of serum ACTH and inadequate amounts of corticosteroids. Overview Hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones Decreased levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids leads to Electrolyte imbalances Decreased vascular volume Fatal if untreated Nursing Points General Adrenal Cortex Glucocorticoids Cortisol Glucose & Fat Metabolism Anti-inflammatory Mineralocorticoids Aldosterone Regulate fluid […]
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Pathophysiology: Autoimmune disorder where systemic inflammation occurs. This effects multiple body systems and organ failure can occur. Overview Progressive, autoimmune, systemic inflammatory disease Nursing Points General Can affect every system in the body May result in organ system failure No known cure Assessment Symptoms will vary greatly between patients depending on body system(s) affected Classic […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Lyme Disease
Pathophysiology: Lyme’s disease is caused by bacteria from an infected tick that transmits it to a human. The bacteria then spreads and an inflammatory reaction occurs. Overview Systemic infection caused by tick bite Tick usually has to be attached for 36-48 hours Nursing Points General Three Stages Stage 1 – Early Localized Skin irritation at […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Anaphylaxis
Pathophysiology: Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction. When the allergens enter the body there is a rapid inflammation and vasodilation. Overview Severe, extreme allergic reaction Life-threatening if untreated Nursing Points General Massive histamine release from damaged cells Swelling Inflammatory Response Vasodilation Massive vasodilation can lead to a distributive shock Causes Medications Food Beestings […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Pathophysiology: AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus infects and destroys T helper lymphocytes and decreases the immune system. With a decreased immune system infections and certain cancers can infect more easily. Overview Condition caused by HIV Virus (late stage HIV infection) HIV Virus is treatable, though not curable Nursing Points […]
Nursing Care and Pathophysiology of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Overview Enlargement of the prostate gland leading to partial or total obstruction of the urethra Pathophysiology: Enlargement of the prostate gland, which compresses the urethra. The inner glands or layers of the prostate start to grow nodules or enlarge and this is a slow process and occurs over a prolonged time. Nursing Points General Prostate […]