10 CONTACT HOURS DISORDERS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND CURRENT TREATMENT INITIATIVES

Course overview

The endocrine system is quite complex and works in conjunction with the nervous system to maintain the delicate balance that ensures homeostasis. It is imperative for nurses to understand how the endocrine system functions and how alterations in functioning can lead to a number of pathologies. Several endocrine diseases and disorders are fairly common, such as thyroid disorder and diabetes mellitus. However, still more of them are uncommon and even rare, making recognition a challenge. To compound the complexity of caring for patients affected by endocrine pathologies, many of these diseases and disorders have insidious onsets, and initial signs and symptoms can be vague and mimic a variety of problems. It is essential that nurses pursue continuing education from a variety of sources to acquire knowledge about the endocrine system and nursing considerations when caring for patients with diseases and disorders of this body system. This education program provides information on the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, disorders of the endocrine system, treatment options for endocrine pathologies, and nursing considerations related to care of patients suffering from such pathologies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. 2. Identify diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. 3. Explain the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. 4. Identify the diagnostic process for diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. 5. Describe treatment initiatives for diseases and disorders of the endocrine system. Discuss nursing interventions for patients dealing with diseases and disorders of the endocrine system.