Acute endocrine conditions

Abstract

Acute endocrine conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease are potentially life threat­ening, with high mortality rates if they are not detected and treated rapidly. During 2014-15, the prevalence of diabetes among the Australian population was 5.1 per cent, with a mortality rate of 16.3 deaths per 100 000 people (ABS, 2016).Yet for the same period, the mortality rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians was almost five times higher (76.9 deaths per 100 000 people) (ABS, 2016). The treatment and management of acute endocrine conditions is complex, and requires an individualised approach (Diabetes Australia, 2015a). A multidisciplinary healthcare team is needed to manage these patients, and nurses play a vital role. This chapter discusses the incidence, presentation, clinical mani­festations and treatment of the following acute endocrine conditions: diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia, adrenal crisis, hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. In addition, the concepts of patient-centred care and the nurse's role in collaborative care for patients with acute endocrine conditions are discussed.