Author Question: Which information will the nurse include when teaching a 50-year-old male patient about somatropin ... (Read 140 times)

bobthebuilder · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which information will the nurse include when teaching a 50-year-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.

Question 2

A 42-year-old female 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.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 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.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 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.