Step 1 The scenario:

Your unit has hired a new nurse who has never worked with patients diagnosed with endocrine disorders. As a veteran nurse, you will provide guidance to the new nurse and help her locate the information she needs to properly assess her patients.

Step 2 Select an endocrine disorder other than diabetes mellitus for this discussion and, if necessary, research the clinical manifestations of the disorder.

Step 3 Describe the alterations in endocrine functioning associated with the disorder you have chosen. Use your personal experience, if it's relevant, to help support your discussion"

Step 1: The Scenario

 You are a veteran nurse and you have a new inexperienced nurse who has no knowledge about endocrine disorders. In order to minimize her poor results for patients with endocrine problems, you have to equip her with the basic information.

 The second step of the process is choosing an endocrine disorder:

 Endocrine Disorder Chosen:  Thyroid hypofunction

 III: Changes in Endocrine Functioning Related to Hypothyroidism

 Hypothyroidism Overview:

 Hypothyroidism can be referred to as thyroid deficiency in which the thyroid gland does not secrete adequate amount of hormones. The affliction may be endemic or inherent, that is, caused by diseases and disorders of the thyroid glands itself, or else, it may be induced by deficient secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary glands.

 Clinical Manifestations:

 Fatigue and Weakness: Lack of thyroid hormones in the body also leads to a low metabolic rate hence, chronic fatigue and weakness of muscles. This is because thyroid hormones are used in the regulation of production of energy and control of metabolic activities within cells.

 Weight Gain: This is characterised by weight gain in patients who even consume a small amount of food or even less as compared to the normal individual. This happens because, with a slow metabolism, fewer amounts of calories are burnt and these result to addition of weights.

 Cold Intolerance: Apart from that, people suffering from hypothyroidism may experience cold sensations, as the thyroid hormones are instrumental in thermoregulation. Metabolic rate implies on the production of heat; consequently, the smaller rate results in less heat production.

 Dry Skin and Hair: The skin and hair also require thyroid hormones for their well being and for any sort of treatment. Hypothyroidism may cause dermatologic manifestations such as dryness and flakiness of skin, hair thinning and brittleness as a result of slow inflammation and seborrhea.

 Constipation: When the level of thyroid hormone secretion is lowered, the movement of the intestines also decreases that causes constipation. This is so because Thyroid hormones affect the motility of the G. I tracts and other processes of digestion.

 Depression and Cognitive Impairment: Hypothyroid problems accompanied by challenging the nervous system and can cause such symptoms as depression, mood swings, and cognitive problems. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role on the function of the brain and on the regulation of mood in people.

 Bradycardia: Ectopic movements are observed and consist of tremor and an efflux of impulses, which leads to arrhythmias; Bradycardia is common due to thyroid hormones’ effects on cardiac activity. Leaving out some of the other side effects, the low metabolic rate can also be evidenced by low rate of heartbeat.

 Goiter: In some situations the lack of thyroid hormones that is caused by hypothyroidism does cause an increase in TSH, and consequently its buildup in the gland, which results in goiter.

 Alterations in Endocrine Functioning:

 Decreased Thyroid Hormone Levels: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland is underactive and is not capable of producing enough T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones are required for the regulation of many metabolic activities in various tissues of the body.

 Elevated TSH Levels: Primary hypothyroidism is the result of intrinsic dysfunction of the thyroid gland and low levels of T4 and T3 cause increased TSH levels due to the tries of the pituitary gland gland to stimulate the thyroid gland for more production of thyroid hormones.

 Reduced Metabolic Rate: The total reduction in the Thyroid hormones reduces the basal metabolic rate and affects energy generation, heat production and all the physiological processes of the body.

 Personal Experience (if applicable):

 If you have personal experience with hypothyroidism or have managed patients with this condition, you might share examples of common challenges and effective interventions:If you have personal experience with hypothyroidism or have managed patients with this condition, you might share examples of common challenges and effective interventions:

 Example: You may explain how patient-enabling with regard to the changes that are necessary in ones daily life, for example with regard to diet and exercise, can help with the symptoms and quality of life.

 Example: Comparing experiences with coordinating endocrinologists and the regular check on thyroid function tests so as to determine appropriate dosage modifications could also be an idea.

 Resources for Further Information:

 American Thyroid Association: Contains information about hypothyroidism, as well as such tools as brochures and checklists for patients.

 Endocrine Society: Offers extensive material on endocrine disorders with focus on Hypothyroidism.

 Through consideration of these aspects of hypothyroidism, the new nurse will equally be in a better position to examine as well as attend to patients with the endocrine condition, we well as understand their feelings.