Endocrine System
Disorders of the endocrine system have a significant impact on the body. Consider the effects of unmanaged diabetes. Kali Collins, a 10-year-old Colorado girl, helped prevent a potentially fatal accident after her mother, Erin Bolefahr, went into diabetic shock while behind the wheel. After Erin began driving erratically, Kali phoned for help.
Police were able to locate the vehicle and provide medical care to an unresponsive Erin (Huffington Post, 2012). If Erin’s diabetes had been properly managed, her daughter would have never been in such immediate danger. This case emphasizes the importance of properly identifying, treating, and managing diabetes.
With diabetes and its associated alterations presenting serious medical complications, it is essential for advanced practice nurses to have a strong understanding of this endocrine disorder. In the clinical setting, patients with diabetes and other endocrine disorders will require extensive patient education and supervised care.
pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus
This week you examine the pathophysiology of diabetes. You also explore the impact of patient factors on the disorder.
Reference
Kali Collins, 10-year-old Colo. girl, saves family by calling 911 when mom goes into diabetic shock while driving. (2012, March 6). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Compare the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus
- Evaluate the impact of patient factors on diabetes
- Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to alterations of the endocrine system
