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Pharmacology Chapter 35
Pharmacology Chapter 35
Pharmacology Chapter 35
3-12-2020
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
1. What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland? List the
hormones produced by each one. The hypothalamus makes up the lower region of the
diencephalon and lies just above the brain stem. The pituitary gland is attached to the bottom of
the hypothalamus by a slender stalk called the infundibulum. The pituitary gland consists of two
major regions: the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus
oversees many internal body conditions. It receives nervous stimuli from receptors throughout
the body and monitors chemical and physical characteristics of the blood, including temperature;
blood pressure; and nutrient, hormone, and water content. The hypothalamus produces seven
different hormones:
Anti-Diuretic Hormones — The hormones that regulate water levels in the body, including blood
stress and is responsible for suppressing the appetite and stimulating anxiety.
controls the cardiovascular system, brain development, muscle control, digestive health and
metabolism.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is a polypeptide whose target is the adrenal gland. The
effects of ACTH are upon secretion of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoids, and sex corticoids.
Beta-endorphin is a polypeptide that effects the opioid receptor, whose effects include the
Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone that affects the thyroid gland and the
Follicle-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone that targets the gonads and effects the
production.
Growth hormone is a polypeptide hormone that targets the liver and adipose tissue and promotes
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone whose target is the ovaries and mammary glands. Prolactin
2. Describe important nursing assessments and interventions for patients taking hypothalamic
and pituitary agents. Provide rationale detaining why these assessments and interventions are
essento
Nursing Assessment:
Assess for contraindications or cautions, some examples being history of allergy, pregnancy or a
Assess the height and weight, thyroid function tests, glucose tolerance tests, and GH levels to
determine baseline status before beginning therapy and for any potential adverse effects.
These are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking GH agonists:
Reconstitute the drug following manufacturer’s directions because individual products vary;
Provide comfort measures to help patient cope with the drug effects.
Provide patient education about drug effects and warning signs to report to enhance patient
GROUP ASSIGNMENTS
1. Divide the class into three groups. Assign each group an age group: children, adults, or older
adults. Each group is to discuss the use of hypothalamic and pituitary agents in the assigned age
group. What are the most likely reasons that each age group is receiving one of these drugs?
Hypothalamic Agents
Children
Monitor closely for adverse effects associated with changes in overall endocrine function,
Standard part of treatment plan should include periodic radiograph of long bones and monitoring
Adults
Review proper administration of nasal forms of drugs for diabetes insipidus to prevent
complications.
Review proper storage, preparation, and administration of regular injections.
Drugs should not be used among pregnant and lactating women unless benefits clearly outweigh
the risks.
Older adults
Review proper administration technique because they are at high risk for dehydrated membranes
and ulcerations.
Pituitary Agents
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