May 27, 2010

For some strange reason I had been compelled to make a nursing school directory of every school in the United States and it’s territories.  I am going alphabetically and I am glad to say that I have finished California.  California is a big state – could be a country of it’s own – and there are A LOT of nursing schools! So if...

May 12, 2010

What is hypothyroidism?  Hypothyroidism is a state at which thyroid cells do not produce sufficient amount of thyroid hormone.  This can be from many causes.  The result is a decrease in metabolism and a buildup of metabolites as a result.  These metabolites are called glycosaminoglycans which are compounds of sugars and proteins.  The problem with the...

May 12, 2010

What is hyperthyroidism? It is the excessive secretion of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland that leads to symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis.  This can be a permanent or temporary problem.  Symptoms include a wide range of clinical manifestations that the educated nurse will be able to recognize to plan care effectively.  Manifestations will be of...

May 11, 2010

What happens when the adrenal gland is over-functioning? Sometimes the adrenal gland over-secretes all of the adrenal hormones, a few, or just one.  Any excessive hormone secretion from the adrenal gland will cause trouble.  There can be an excessive secretion of androgen, mineralocorticoid (hyperaldosteronism), or cortisol (hypercortisolism –...

May 11, 2010

What is Addison’s Disease?  It is a hormonal deficiency disease of the adrenal gland caused by hypofunction of the renal gland.  There is a chronic state of this disease and then there is the sudden onset of acute adrenocortical insufficiency manifestations referred to as adrenal crisis, or Addisonian crisis, that is life threatening and may appear with...

May 4, 2010

Below the break we give you a few changes in the endocrine system related to aging and how it will present in the older adult, as well things to think about when proving nursing care.  Learn on nursing ninjas, learn on! Endocrine Changes Clinical Manifestations Nursing Implications and Action Decrease in Metabolism Less cold tolerance Blood Pressure and...

May 4, 2010

A quick look at functions of the thyroid gland.  Look, study, and learn! Thyroid Hormone Functions: Insulin antagonists Affect respiratory drive and rate Regulate the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates Fetal development Metabolic rate control of all cells in the body Promotion of sufficient secretion of gonadotropins and  growth hormone from the...

May 4, 2010

Here is a short post to give a simple explanation of glucocorticoids and their function.  Study and learn oh Nursing Ninjas! Produced by the adrenal cortex the glucocorticoids are an important element for the body to sustain life.  Their release is regulated by the anterior pituitary hormone ACTH, directly, and indirectly by the hypothalamic...

May 4, 2010

What are the target tissues of the hormones of the pituitary gland?  Well, check out this table, study, and learn! Endocrine Hormone Target Tissue of Hormone Actions of Hormone ANTERIOR PITUITARY adrenocorticotropic Hormone-ACTH (corticotropin) Adrenal cortex Stimulates synthesis and release of corticosteroids and adrenocortical...

May 4, 2010

Here is a list of hormones produced by their corresponding endocrine glands for you to study! Endocrine Gland Hormones Thyroid Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4) Calcitonin Parathyroid Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Hypothalamus Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Growth...

May 2, 2010

Here is a Nursing Ninja post on Polycystic Kidney Disease that is especially for nursing students.  Of course, if you are a regular civilian, a student of a similar field, or even a professional, this post just may help you as well!  It has links for a more in depth look at PKD.  Hop over the jump for some Nursing Ninja learning! What is polycystic...

Mar 28, 2010

This post displays the quality measures of care for heart failure hospitals should keep as determined by the Joint Commission. Evaluation of LVS function such as with a 2D echo or cardiac cath. An ACE inhibitor or ARB prescribed at discharge or contraindication documented. Smoking history and counseling to quit. Discharge instructions that address activity,...

Mar 28, 2010

When the heart starts to fail as a pump, the body will compensate as a response to a dysfunctional cardiac output.  Here are a few ways the body compensates during heart failure…Salt and Water Retention The short term effects of salt and water response is that it increases Preload.  This will help will help with cardiac output at first but the long-term...

Mar 27, 2010

Here is a little post for some nursing students identifying the different stages and classifications of heart failure according to the New York Heart Association and ACC/AHA. New York Heart Association Functional Classification Class I: No symptoms with ordinary activity Class II: Slight limitation of physical activity.  Comfortable at rest, but ordinary...

Mar 27, 2010

You can’t provide treatment to a patient with heart failure without knowing the symptoms.  Be a good nursing ninja and read about some common symptoms of heart failure to keep in mind when performing your nursing assessment. Heart Failure Symptoms Eyes:  The pupils may be dilated as a result of a sympathetic nervous system response. Skin:  The skin...