NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-325 Adult Health II

Prof. Name

Date

NR 325 Endocrine Disorders Worksheet

Student Name:
Date:
Assignment Week/Day: Week 1

This worksheet summarizes major concepts and key points related to endocrine disorders, drawing on prior course materials in pathophysiology. Each disorder’s characteristics, including etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, nursing interventions, and possible complications, are reviewed.

Diabetes Mellitus Type I

Diabetes Mellitus Type I, commonly referred to as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases. This autoimmune disorder predominantly affects individuals younger than 40 years, though it may present at any age. The condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin production. Symptoms include hyperglycemia with rapid onset, ketoacidosis, unexplained weight loss, and the “three Ps”—polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Fatigue and weakness are also common. Diagnostic tests involve checking hemoglobin A1C levels, with a value of 6.5% or higher indicating diabetes, along with fasting plasma glucose tests. Management includes insulin therapy, nutritional counseling, and exercise to control blood glucose levels, prevent acute complications, and promote well-being. Patients must be educated on managing blood sugar levels to avoid life-threatening complications such as metabolic acidosis.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Type II Diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, represents 90-95% of diabetes cases. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, and insulin resistance, where the body does not effectively use insulin. Clinical symptoms may develop gradually and include hyperglycemia, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, recurrent infections, and delayed wound healing. Routine laboratory tests, especially A1C levels of 6.5% or higher, confirm the diagnosis. Lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and weight management, are critical. Pharmacological interventions may include insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Without proper management, complications such as wound healing delays and vision problems may occur.

Other Endocrine Disorders

This section covers various disorders of the endocrine system, including pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal gland disorders. For instance, acromegaly results from excessive growth hormone, leading to significant bone growth and potential complications if untreated. Hypopituitarism, marked by the pituitary gland’s failure to produce essential hormones, affects growth, blood pressure, and reproductive functions, with treatments tailored to specific hormone deficiencies. Disorders of the posterior pituitary, such as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), involve excess ADH secretion, causing fluid retention and hyponatremia, whereas diabetes insipidus involves insufficient ADH, leading to excessive urination and potential dehydration risks. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism involve imbalances in thyroid hormone levels, affecting metabolism and systemic functions, with treatments including medications, lifestyle adjustments, and in severe cases, surgery.

NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

Table Structure

References

American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement_1), S18-S26.