Languha Ngati

Pharmacology discussion Question

Chapter 35, hypothalamic and pituitary agents

Instructor: CarolAnn Marchand

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

volume and blood pressure

Oxytocin — A hormone that controls some human behaviors and the reproductive system.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone — Controls the body's response to physical and emotional

stress and is responsible for suppressing the appetite and stimulating anxiety.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone — Stimulates the release of hormones connected to

reproductive function, puberty and sexual maturation.

Somatostatin — Inhibits growth and thyroid-stimulating hormones.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone — Controls growth and physical development in children

as well as metabolism in adults.

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone — Stimulates production of the thyroid hormone, which in turn

controls the cardiovascular system, brain development, muscle control, digestive health and

metabolism.

Major Hormones Secreted by the Anterior Pituitary Gland

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

inhibition of the perception of pain.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone that affects the thyroid gland and the

secretion of thyroid hormones.

Follicle-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone that targets the gonads and effects the

growth of the reproductive system.

Luteinizing hormone is a glycoprotein hormone that targets the gonads to effect sex-hormone

production.

Growth hormone is a polypeptide hormone that targets the liver and adipose tissue and promotes

growth through lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone whose target is the ovaries and mammary glands. Prolactin

influences the secretion of estrogen/progesterone and milk production.

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

serious infection after open heart surgery to avoid adverse effects.

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.

Nursing Implementation with Rationale:

These are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking GH agonists:

Reconstitute the drug following manufacturer’s directions because individual products vary;

administer IM or SQ as ordered for appropriate drug delivery.

Monitor response closely to determine need for dose adjustment.

Monitor thyroid function, glucose tolerance, and GH levels periodically to monitor endocrine

changes and to institute treatment as needed.

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

knowledge and to promote compliance.

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,

particularly growth and development and metabolism.

Standard part of treatment plan should include periodic radiograph of long bones and monitoring

of blood sugar and electrolytes.

Adults

Monitor blood sugar and electrolytes.

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

Evaluate hydration, nutrition, and electrolyte balance periodically.

Review proper administration technique because they are at high risk for dehydrated membranes

and ulcerations.

Pituitary Agents
 Citation

Pharmacology2000.com. 2020. Pituitary Pharmacology And Physiology. [online] Available at:

<https://www.pharmacology2000.com/Hypothalamic/pit1.htm> [Accessed 12 March 2020].