Pharmacologic Profile

General Use

Used in the treatment of deficiency states including diabetes mellitus (insulin), diabetes insipidus (desmopressin), hypothyroidism (thyroid hormones), and menopause (estrogens or estrogens/progestins). Estrogenic and progestational hormones are used as contraceptive agents in various combinations and sequences. Hormones may be used to treat hormonally sensitive tumors (androgens, estrogens) and in other selected situations. See individual drugs.

General Action and Information

Natural or synthetic substances that have a specific effect on target tissue. Differ greatly in their effects, depending on individual agent and function of target tissue.

Contraindications

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Precautions

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Interactions

Differ greatly among individual agents; see individual entries.

Nursing Implications

Assessment

• Monitor patient for symptoms of hormonal excess or insufficiency.
• BP and hepatic function tests should be monitored periodically throughout therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

• Sexual dysfunction (Indications)
• Disturbed body image (Indications) (Side Effects)
• Deficient knowledge related to disease processes and medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

• During hospitalization, continue to administer according to schedule followed prior to hospitalization.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Explain dose schedule (and withdrawal bleeding with female sex hormones).
• Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to monitor effectiveness of therapy and to ensure proper development of children and early detection of possible side effects.
• Advise patient to report signs and symptoms of fluid retention, thromboembolic disorders, mental depression, or hepatic dysfunction to health care professional.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Resolution of clinical symptoms of hormone imbalance including menopause symptoms and contraception.
• Correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
• Control of the spread of advanced metastatic breast or prostate cancer.
• Slowed progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis.