NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-325 Adult Health II

Prof. Name

Date

NR 325 Endocrine Disorders Worksheet

This worksheet reviews the essential concepts related to endocrine disorders. It highlights the causes, disease processes, signs and symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and potential complications associated with these conditions. The purpose is to integrate prior knowledge from pathophysiology and apply it to nursing practice for better patient outcomes.

Diabetes Mellitus Type I

Type I Diabetes Mellitus, often referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset diabetes, comprises approximately 5–10% of all diabetes cases. It is primarily an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production. While it typically develops in individuals under the age of 40, it can occur at any age.

The hallmark symptoms include sudden-onset hyperglycemia, unexplained weight loss, ketoacidosis, and the three classic signs (polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia). Fatigue, weakness, and frequent infections may also occur. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through Hemoglobin A1C testing (≥ 6.5%) or fasting plasma glucose levels.

Management relies heavily on insulin therapy, lifestyle modifications such as nutritional counseling and regular exercise, as well as consistent blood glucose monitoring. Patient education plays a critical role in preventing life-threatening complications, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can result from inadequate insulin levels.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Type II Diabetes Mellitus accounts for 90–95% of diabetes cases and is commonly referred to as adult-onset diabetes. Unlike Type I, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body’s cells develop insulin resistance, leading to ineffective glucose utilization.

Major risk factors include obesity, family history, increasing age, and sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms often progress gradually and include hyperglycemia, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, recurrent infections, and delayed wound healing. The A1C test (≥ 6.5%) remains the standard for diagnosis.

Interventions involve lifestyle modification such as balanced diet, physical activity, and weight reduction. Pharmacological management may include oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If left uncontrolled, patients are at risk for complications such as neuropathy, vision loss, delayed wound healing, and cardiovascular disease.

Other Endocrine Disorders

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is caused by excess secretion of growth hormone (GH), typically due to a pituitary adenoma. Patients may present with enlarged hands, feet, and facial features, as well as joint pain, fatigue, and organ enlargement. Untreated acromegaly can lead to hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and arthritis. Treatment includes surgical removal of tumors, radiation therapy, and medications to suppress GH. Nurses must implement fall precautions due to joint instability and monitor for fracture risks.

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism occurs when the pituitary gland fails to produce one or more essential hormones, disrupting growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Symptoms include fatigue, infertility, weight changes, and mood disturbances. Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy, including corticosteroids and thyroid hormones. Nurses should closely monitor stress response and hormone levels, as imbalances may worsen during illness or surgery.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)

SIADH is characterized by excessive secretion of ADH, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and fluid imbalance. Patients often experience confusion, headache, muscle cramps, and seizures when sodium levels fall severely. Management includes fluid restriction, salt supplementation, and diuretics. Nurses must monitor for cerebral edema and neurologic deterioration, which can be life-threatening if sodium drops critically.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

In contrast to SIADH, DI results from insufficient ADH secretion, causing excessive urination, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Patients typically experience intense thirst (polydipsia) and large urine output. Treatment involves fluid replacement and desmopressin (DDAVP) therapy. Nurses must carefully monitor intake and output, ensuring patients maintain hydration.

Thyroid Disorders

• Hyperthyroidism involves excess thyroid hormone secretion, leading to increased metabolism, heat intolerance, weight loss, anxiety, and tachycardia. Treatments include antithyroid drugs, beta-blockers, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

• Hypothyroidism results from deficient thyroid hormone production, with symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and weight gain. Management includes lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. Nurses must monitor for myxedema coma, a severe complication requiring emergency intervention.

NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

References

American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023 abridged for primary care providers. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement_1), S18–S26. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S002

American Thyroid Association. (2023). Thyroid disease information. https://www.thyroid.org

NR 325 Week 1 Endocrine Disorders – Worksheet

Melmed, S., Polonsky, K. S., Larsen, P. R., & Kronenberg, H. M. (2022). Williams textbook of endocrinology (14th ed.). Elsevier.