The nurse is assessing a 41-year-old African American male ...

[K@]

The nurse is assessing a 41-year-old African American male patient diagnosed with a pituitary tumor causing panhypopituitarism. Assessment findings consistent with panhypopituitarism include
 
  a. high blood pressure.
  b. decreased facial hair.
  c. elevated blood glucose.
  d. tachycardia and cardiac palpitations.

Question 2

The nurse is planning postoperative care for a patient who is being admitted to the surgical unit form 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.

[mjbamaung]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 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.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 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.