Author Question: A patient with a non-ACTH-producing adrenal cortex tumor is scheduled for a surgical procedure to ... (Read 238 times)

ETearle · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with a non-ACTH-producing adrenal cortex tumor is scheduled for a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. Which statement by the patient indicates that teaching about the procedure has been effective?

1. The adrenal gland with the tumor will be removed.
2. I will need to take adrenal hormones for the rest of my life.
3. The tumor will be removed by the transsphenoidal route.
4. I will receive IV cortisol in preparation for the surgery.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing health history information for a group of patients. Which patient should the nurse identify as being at the lowest risk of developing Cushing syndrome?

1. The patient who received radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism
2. The patient receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
3. The patient who has had an organ transplant
4. The patient receiving chemotherapy to treat a brain tumor

jgranad15 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
When Cushing syndrome is caused by a non-ACTH-producing adrenal cortex tumor, an adrenalectomy may be performed to remove the tumor and the affected adrenal gland. Only one adrenal gland is usually involved. As there is a remaining adrenal gland, patients do not need lifetime adrenal hormone replacement. Adrenal glands are not removed via the transsphenoidal route. The patient with Cushing syndrome is already experiencing elevated cortisol levels; IV cortisol is not indicated prior to adrenalectomy.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
The patient who received radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is not at increased risk for Cushing syndrome. Patients receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, patients with organ transplants, and patients receiving chemotherapy are frequently prescribed corticosteroids, which are a primary risk factor for Cushing syndrome.