Page 1371 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Introduction

Pyramid to Success

The endocrine system is made up of organs or glands that secrete hormones and
release them directly into the circulation. The endocrine system can be understood
easily if you remember that basically 1 of 2 situations can occur—hypersecretion or
hyposecretion of hormones from the organ or gland. When an excess of the hormone
occurs, treatment is aimed at blocking the hormone release through medication or
surgery. When a deficit of the hormone exists, treatment is aimed at replacement
therapy. Pyramid Points focus on diabetes mellitus, including its prevention, the
prevention and treatment of complications, insulin therapy, hypoglycemic and
hyperglycemic reactions, and acute and chronic complications of diabetes; Addison’s
disease and addisonian crisis; Cushing’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome; thyroid
problems and thyroid storm; and care of the client after thyroidectomy or
adrenalectomy.

Client Needs: Learning Objectives

Safe and Effective Care Environment

Acting as a client advocate
Collaborating with the interprofessional team and appropriate care providers
regarding treatment
Ensuring that informed consent for treatments and procedures has been
obtained
Establishing priorities of care
Handling hazardous and infectious materials
Maintaining confidentiality related to the health problem
Preventing accidents and client injury
Using medical and surgical asepsis to prevent infection

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Discussing expected body image changes
Identifying lifestyle choices related to treatment
Performing physical assessment of the endocrine system
Preventing health problems
Providing health screening

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