Deck 30: Pituitary Drugs

Question 1

A patient is to receive vasopressin (Pitressin) 5 units subcut BID. The medication is available in a vial that contains 20 units/mL. How many milliliters will the nurse draw up for this dose? (Record solve using two decimal places.)

Answer 1

0.25 mL
20 units : 1 mL :: 5 units : x mL
(20 × x) = (1 × 5); 20x = 5; x = 0.25 mL

Question 2

A patient's medication order indicates that he is to receive a dose of cosyntropin (Cortrosyn). The nurse is aware that this drug is used to diagnose which condition?

A) Adrenocortical insufficiency
B) Diabetes insipidus
C) Myasthenia gravis
D) Pituitary dwarfism

Answer 2

Adrenocortical insufficiency

Question 3

A patient is about to receive a dose of octreotide (Sandostatin). The nurse will assess for which contraindications or cautions? (Select all that apply.)

A) Carcinoid crisis
B) Diarrhea
C) Type 1 diabetes mellitus
D) Gallbladder disease
E) Chronic renal failure
F) Esophageal varices

Answer 3

Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Gallbladder disease
Chronic renal failure

Question 4

An 8-year-old child has been diagnosed with true pituitary dwarfism and is being treated with somatropin. In follow-up visits, the nurse will monitor for which expected outcome?

A) Increased growth
B) Decreased urinary output
C) Increased muscle strength
D) Increased height when the child reaches puberty

Question 5

A 16-year-old boy who is taking somatropin comes into the office because he had an asthma attack during a race at school. Because of this new development, the nurse expects which intervention to occur next?

A) He will need to stop participating in school physical education classes.
B) The somatropin must be discontinued immediately.
C) The somatropin dosage may be adjusted.
D) His growth will be documented and monitored for changes.

Question 6

When reviewing the medication profile of a patient with a new order for desmopressin (DDAVP), the nurse notes that a drug interaction will occur if which drug is taken with desmopressin?

A) aspirin
B) digoxin
C) lithium
D) penicillin

Question 7

When a patient is receiving vasopressin (Pitressin), the nurse will monitor for which therapeutic response?

A) Improved appetite
B) Increased serum albumin levels
C) Increased serum potassium levels
D) Decreased urinary output

Question 8

A pituitary drug is prescribed for a patient with a hormone deficiency, and the nurse provides instructions about the medication. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction?

A) "I will not stop the drug unless my doctor tells me to stop it."
B) "I will call my doctor if I have a fever or sore throat."
C) "I will have to stop drinking my nightly glass of wine."
D) "I am looking forward to a cure for my condition with this hormone replacement."

Question 9

The nurse notes in a patient's medication history that the patient has been taking desmopressin (DDAVP). Based on this finding, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?

A) Diabetes mellitus
B) Diabetes insipidus
C) Adrenocortical insufficiency
D) Carcinoid tumor