1. Multisystem

2. Multisystem Pathologies
Hypothyroidism: Poor production of thyroid hormone:
Primary- Thyroid cannot meet the demands of the pituitary gland.
Secondary- No stimulation of the thyroid by the pituitary gland.
Causes:
Surgical thyroid removal, Congenital defects, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (key)
Symptoms:
Constipation, Weight gain, Weakness, Fatigue, Poor taste, Poor speech, Depression
Tests:
Decreased BP and HR, Elevated liver enzymes, prolactin, and cholesterol, Decreased T4 levels and serum sodium levels, Presence of anemia
Treatment:
Increase thyroid hormone levels
Monitor the patient for:

3. Multisystem Pathologies
Hyperthyroidism: excessive production of thyroid hormone.
Causes:
Iodine overdose, Thyroid hormone overdose, Graves’ disease (key), Tumors affecting the reproductive system
Symptoms:
Weight loss, Anxiety, Nausea, Diarrhea, Hair loss, Elevated BP, Sweating
Tests:
Elevated Systolic pressure noted,T3/T4 (free) levels increased
Treatment:
Radioactive iodine, Surgery, Beta-blockers, Antithyroid drugs

4. Multisystem Pathologies
Cushing’s syndrome: Abnormal production of ACTH which in turn causes elevated cortisol levels.
Causes:
Corticosteroids prolonged use and Tumors
Symptoms:
Muscle weakness, Central obesity distribution, Back pain, Thirst, Bone and joint pain, Htn, Headaches, Frequent urination, Moon face, Weight gain, Acne
Tests:
Cortisol level check, MRI- check for tumors
Treatment:
Surgery to remove tumor, Monitor corticosteroid levels

5. Multisystem Pathologies
Diabetic ketoacidosis: increased levels of ketones due to a lack of glucose.
Causes:
Insufficient insulin causing ketone production which end up in the urine. more common in type I vs. type 2 DM.
Symptoms:
Low BP, Abdominal pain, Headaches, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Fruit breath smell, Mental deficits
Tests:
Elevated glucose levels, Ketones in urine, Check BP
Treatment:
Insulin
IV fluids
Monitor the patient for:
Renal failure, MI, Coma

6. Multisystem Pathologies
Graves’ disease: most commonly linked to hyperthyroidism, and is an autoimmune disease. Excessive production of thyroid hormones.
Symptoms:
Elevated appetite, Anxiety, Menstrual changes, Fatigue, Poor temperature tolerance, Diplopia
Tests:
Elevated HR, Increased T3/T4 levels
Treatment:
Beta-blockers, Surgery, Radioactive iodine
Monitor the patient for:
Fatigue, Depression, Hypothyroidism (over-correction)

7. Multisystem Pathologies
Type I diabetes (Juvenile onset diabetes)
Causes: Poor insulin production from the beta cells of the pancreas. Excessive levels of glucose in the blood stream that cannot be used due to the lack of insulin. Moreover, the patient continues to experience hunger, due to the cells not getting the fuel that they need. After 7-10 years the beta cells are completely destroyed in many cases.
Symptoms:
Weight loss, Vomiting, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Frequent urination, Elevated thirst
Tests:
Fasting glucose test, Insulin test, Urine analysis
Treatment:
Insulin, Relieve the diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms, Foot ulcer prevention
Monitor for infection:
Monitor for hypoglycemia conditions if type I is over-corrected. Get the eyes checked- once a year

8. Multisystem Pathologies
Type II diabetes
The body does not respond appropriately to the insulin that is present. Insulin resistance is present in Type II diabetes. Results in hyperglycemia.
Risk factors for Type II Diabetes:
Obesity, Limited exercise individuals, Race-Minorities have a higher distribution, Elevated Cholesterol levels, Htn
Symptoms:
Blurred vision, Fatigue, Elevated appetite, Frequent urination, Thirst
Note: A person may have Type II and be symptom free.
Tests:
Random blood glucose test., Oral glucose tolerance test, Fasting glucose test.
Treatment:
Control diet, Increase exercise levels, Frequent blood sugar testing, Diabetic Ulcer prevention
Monitor the patient for:
Neuropathy, Increased cholesterol, Retinopathy, PVD

9. Routes of Drug Entry
1. ORAL – easiest, safe, have 1st pass effect, large surface area for absorption, some medications irritate the GI, some medications may be degraded by the stomach.
2. SUB-LINGUAL – absorption through the oral mucosa with no 1st pass effect.
3. RECTAL- normally no 1st pass effect, usually used if patients are vomiting
Parenteral
1. INHALATION – absorbed in the lungs, quick action, may cause inflammation in the lungs.
2. INJECTION (types):
A. Intra-muscular – easy access, may treat muscle or prolonged release into circulation.
B. Subcutaneous – Injection just below the skin, causes a localized response. TB skin test.
C. Intra-arterial – used most commonly in chemotherapy also diagnostic procedures, drug introduced directly into the artery
D. Intravenous – can use an IV line, useful in emergencies, side effects appear quickly
E. Intrathecal – used with narcotic analgesics and local anesthetics. Drugs can reach the CNS and by-pass the blood brain barrier.