CMA Chapter 22

• acromegaly


  Condition caused by excess growth hormone, resulting in enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features
• Addison disease


  Condition caused by insufficient production of hormones by the adrenal cortex
• Cushing syndrome


  Condition caused by excess production of cortisol by the adrenal glands
• diabetes insipidus


  Condition caused by insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in excessive urination and thirst
• dwarfism


  Condition caused by insufficient production of growth hormone, resulting in abnormally short stature
• endocrinologist


  A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the endocrine system
• glycosuria


  The presence of glucose in the urine
• goiter


  An enlargement of the thyroid gland
• Graves disease


  An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism
• Hashimoto thyroiditis


  An autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism
• hormones


  Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands that regulate various bodily functions
• hyperglycemia


  Abnormally high blood glucose levels
• exophthalmis


  Abnormal protrusion of the eyeballs, a symptom of Graves disease
• gigantism


  Condition caused by excess growth hormone, resulting in abnormal growth and enlargement of the body
• hyperplasia


  Abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue
• hypoglycemia


  Abnormally low blood glucose levels
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus


  Type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin injections for treatment
• ketoacidosis


  A life-threatening condition caused by the buildup of ketones in the blood, often seen in uncontrolled diabetes
• ketones


  Byproducts of fat metabolism that can accumulate in the blood in uncontrolled diabetes
• non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus


  Type 2 diabetes, which may be managed with diet, exercise, and oral medications
• polydipsia


  Excessive thirst, a symptom of diabetes
• polyphagia


  Excessive hunger, a symptom of diabetes
• polyuria


  Excessive urination, a symptom of diabetes
• pruritus


  Severe itching, a symptom of diabetes
• radioimmun


  A type of medical test that uses radioactive substances to detect or measure substances in the body
• thyrotoxi


  Abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones, causing hyperthyroidism
• Together with the nervous system, the endocrine system regulates most body functions. Although the control exerted by the nervous system is immediate and usually elicits a short-term response, the endocrine systems regulates chemical metabolism for a longer acting, more widespread response. Hormones are the chemical regulators, or messengers, of the endocrine glands. Some hormones stimulate system-wide metabolic processes, whereas others target specific tissues or organs
• Although you may see patients with endocrite disorders in any medical practice specialty, physicam ahe specialize in the treatment of these disorders specifically a known as endocrinologists. Many disorders of the endocrine system result from an oversecretion or undersecret of hormones. This chapter will focus on some commende orders of the endocrine system and the role of the medical assistant in caring for these patients in the medical office
• The endocrine glands differ from the body's other glands, such as sweat glands, because they are ductless. Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream for transmission rather than hav ing direct access to target tissues. The body regulates the release of hormones through negative feedback, which "tells the appropriate gland how much hormone to release based on the need for increased or decreased secretion. Some endocrine glands release harmanes to maintain a specific range in the blood (thyroid hor mones), whereas others have cyclic or rhythmic fluctus tions (estrogen or progesterone)
• Managing Diabetes Mellitus


  • Long-term complications from uncontrolled hyperglycemia include damage to the heart, kidneys, and eyes, usually resulting from vascular system (blood vessel) changes that affect many body systems
• Increased plaque buildup on the inside of arteries supplying blood to the heart and other organs


  Causes a decreased blood supply to those organs and, over time, a loss of function
• When this happens to the kidneys

  The patient may develop kidney failure and require dialysis
• Vascular changes to the eyes


  Result in diabetic retinopathy with a decrease in visual acuity and blindness
• Damage to the nervous system


  Results in neuropathy and decreased sensation, particularly in the legs and feet
• Combined with the decreased blood flow to the lower extremities


  Neuropathy could result in ulcers on the feet and legs that do not heal, become infected, and require eventual limb amputation
• Insulin


  Necessary for patients with type 1 diabetes and may be necessary for patients with type 2 diabetes
• Insulin syringe


  Identified by the calibration in units not milliliters (ml), and the orange cap
• Insulin administration


  Use only an insulin syringe and needle that are calibrated to the concentration of insulin ordered by the physician
• Types of insulin


  • Rapid acting (onset 5 to 15 minutes), short acting (onset 30 minutes), intermediate acting (onset 2 hours), and long acting (onset 2 hours)
• Insulin pump


  Used to administer insulin subcutaneously