The nurse is caring for a 63-year-old with a possible pituitary ...

[rlane42]

The nurse is caring for a 63-year-old with a possible pituitary tumor who is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast. Which information about the patient is most important to discuss with the health care provider before the test?
 
  a. History of renal insufficiency
  b. Complains of chronic headache
  c. Recent bilateral visual field loss
  d. Blood glucose level of 134 mg/dL

Question 2

Which statements will the nurse include when teaching a patient who is scheduled for oral glucose tolerance testing in the outpatient clinic (select all that apply)?
 
  a. You will need to avoid smoking before the test.
  b. Exercise should be avoided until the testing is complete.
  c. Several blood samples will be obtained during the testing.
  d. You should follow a low-calorie diet the day before the test.
  e. The test requires that you fast for at least 8 hours before testing.

[Brenm]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Because contrast media may cause acute kidney injury in patients with poor renal function, the health care provider will need to prescribe therapies such as IV fluids to prevent this complication. The other findings are consistent with the patient's diagnosis of a pituitary tumor.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, E
Smoking may affect the results of oral glucose tolerance tests. Blood samples are obtained at baseline and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Accuracy requires that the patient be fasting before the test. The patient should consume at least 1500 calories/day for 3 days before the test. The patient should be ambulatory and active for accurate test results.