ADRENAL GLANDS

 Endocrine system- is the collection of glands that produce

hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development,
tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood,
among other thing
Adrenal gland- also called as
“suprarenal gland”
-one attached to the upper
portion of each kidney.
-it produce hormones.
-is pyramidal in structure and
weighs 4g.
-consist of adrenal cortex and
adrenal medulla.
 Adrenal Cortex-secrete hormones that have an effect on
the body’s metabolism.
-the hormones produced by adrenal cortex include.
1. Cortisol- hormone that helps regulate metabolism. It
suppress inflammatory reactions in the body and also
affects the immune system.
2. Aldosterone- hormone that regulates the level of sodium
and potassium in the body, and helps maintain blood
volume and blood pressure.
3. Androgen- hormone that plays a role in reproductive
activity, which is present in both male and female.
 Adrenal medulla- the inner part of the adrenal gland.
-it helps a person cope with physical and emotional stress.
-it secretes the following hormones:
1. Epinephrine
2. Norepinephrine
 CUSHING
SYNDROME
 WHAT IS CUSHING SYNDROME?

• Cushing Syndrome is caused by

prolonged exposure of the bodies
tissue to high levels of the hormone
cortisol
It is also called hypercortisolism
 What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the
adrenal glands.
Enables regulation of glucose
metabolism.
Regulates blood pressure and blood
sugar.
Most importantly cortisol helps the
body respond to stress.
 Causes of Cushing's

Majority of the people who suffer

from Cushing's Syndrome have had
prior use of glucocorticoid hormones
-Glucocorticoid hormones are used to
prevent transplant rejection as well as
treat inflammatory diseases such as
asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
 Additional Causes

-Pituitary Adenomas; tumors of

pituitary gland
-Adrenal gland overgrowth or
adrenal tumors
-Too much stress put on the body
HARVEY WILLIAMS CUSHING (1869-1939)

He used first electrocoagulation for surgery

He first encountered the Cushing reflex
He used electrical stimuli for study of the
human sensory cortex
Ideal therapy of Cushing’s Syndrome
would achieve the following goals:
• Reverse the clinical manifestations by
reducing cortisol secretion to normal
• Eradicate any tumor threatening the
health of the patient
• Avoid permanent dependence upon
medications
• Avoid permanent hormone deficiency
 Medical Management
Surgical removal of the tumor by
transspenoidal hypophysectomy
Adrenalectomy- patients with primary
hypertrophy
Adrenal enzyme inhibitors used to reduce
hyperadrenalism
Reduce the medication to the minimum
dosage
 ASSESSMENT
• HEALTH HISTORY AND EXAMINATION
• OBSERVE AND ASSESS THE SKIN FOR
TRAUMA, INFECTION,BREAKDOWN,
BRUISES AND EDEMA
• CHANGES IN PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
• PATIENT’S MENTAL FUNCTION
 DIAGNOSIS
o Risk for injury related to weakness
o Risk for infection related to altered protein
metabolism and inflammatory response
o Disturbed body image related to altered
physical appearance, impaired sexual
functioning and decreased activity level
o Ineffective coping related to mood swings,
irritability, and depression
 Nursing Interventions
Decreasing Risk of Injury
Decreasing Risk of Infection
Preparing the patient for Surgery
Encouraging Rest and Activity
Promoting Skin Integrity
Improving Body Image
Improving Coping
• THANK YOU 