The nurse is teaching a patient who is recovering from a hypophysectomy because of an anterior pituitary adenoma.The patient is learning about the need for supplemental thyroid hormone.The patient says, "I thought thyroid hormone came from a gland in my neck." Which follow-up statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," controls the function of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid gland. The anterior pituitary produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. After a hypophysectomy (surgical removal of the pituitary gland), the patient's thyroid gland won't receive TSH signals from the pituitary, leading to the need for supplemental thyroid hormone.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Patient Who Is Recovering from a Hypophysectomy