chapter 49 endocrine problems

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A 40-yr-old patient with suspected acromegaly is seen at the clinic. To assist in

making the diagnosis, which question should the nurse ask?

a. "Have you had a recent head injury?"

b. "Do you have to wear larger shoes now?"

c. "Is there a family history of acromegaly?"

d. "Are you experiencing tremors or anxiety?"

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B

Acromegaly causes an enlargement of the hands and feet. Head injury and family history are not

risk factors for acromegaly. Tremors and anxiety are not clinical manifestations of acromegaly.

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A patient is scheduled for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy to treat a pituitary

adenoma. During preoperative teaching, the nurse instructs the patient about the need to

a. cough and deep breathe every 2 hours postoperatively.

b. remain on bed rest for the first 48 hours after the surgery.

c. avoid brushing teeth for at least 10 days after the surgery.

d. be positioned flat with sandbags at the head postoperatively.

C

To avoid disruption of the suture line, the patient should avoid brushing the teeth for 10 days after

surgery. It is not necessary to remain on bed rest after this surgery. Coughing is discouraged

because it may cause leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the suture line. The head of the

bed should be elevated 30 degrees to reduce pressure on the sella turcica and decrease the risk for

headaches.

The nurse is planning postoperative care for a patient who is being admitted to

the surgical unit from the recovery room after transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary tumor.

Which nursing action should be included?

a. Palpate extremities for edema.

b. Measure urine volume every hour.

c. Check hematocrit every 2 hours for 8 hours.

d. Monitor continuous pulse oximetry for 24 hours.

B

After pituitary surgery, the patient is at risk for diabetes insipidus caused by cerebral edema.

Monitoring of urine output and urine specific gravity is essential. Hemorrhage is not a common

problem. There is no need to check the hematocrit hourly. The patient is at risk for dehydration,

not volume overload. The patient is not at high risk for problems with oxygenation, and continuous

pulse oximetry is not needed.

The nurse is assessing a male patient diagnosed with a pituitary tumor causing

panhypopituitarism. Assessment findings consistent with panhypopituitarism include

a. high blood pressure. c. elevated blood glucose.

b. decreased facial hair. d. tachycardia and palpitations.

B

Changes in male secondary sex characteristics such as decreased facial hair, testicular atrophy,

diminished spermatogenesis, loss of libido, impotence, and decreased muscle mass are associated

with decreases in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Fasting

hypoglycemia and hypotension occur in panhypopituitarism as a result of decreases in

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Bradycardia is likely due to the decrease in

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones associated with panhypopituitarism.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1158

Which information will the nurse include when teaching a 50-yr-old male patient

about somatropin (Genotropin)?

a. The medication will be needed for 3 to 6 months.

b. Inject the medication subcutaneously every day.

c. Blood glucose levels may decrease when taking the medication.

d. Stop taking the medication if swelling of the hands or feet occurs.

B

Somatropin is injected subcutaneously on a daily basis, preferably in the evening. The patient will

need to continue on somatropin for life. If swelling or other common adverse effects occur, the

health care provider should be notified. Growth hormone will increase blood glucose levels.

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