Question 1

A patient is being evaluated for possible hyperpituitarism.Which manifestation most likely caused this patient to seek medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Headaches are a common symptom of hyperpituitarism, as the excessive hormone production can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to headaches. Hair loss, sore throat, and muscle cramps are not typical manifestations of hyperpituitarism.

Question 2

A patient is recovering from surgery to remove a pituitary tumor.Why should the nurse schedule frequent mouth care for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Nasal packing can cause the patient to breathe through their mouth, leading to dry mouth and increased risk of infection. Frequent mouth care can help prevent these complications. The other options are not directly related to the need for mouth care in this patient.

Question 3

The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a female patient who has had minimal urine output over the last shift.Which finding suggests that this patient may be experiencing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

Accepted Answer

Urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine, which is consistent with SIADH where excess ADH causes water retention and concentrated urine.

Question 4

The patient is preparing discharge teaching for a patient recovering from surgery to treat hyperpituitarism.Which interdisciplinary team member should be consulted to ensure medication teaching is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A pharmacist is an expert in medication management and can ensure that proper medication teaching is provided to the patient. Surgeons may not have as much knowledge about medication management as they are more focused on the surgical treatment. Charge nurses may have some knowledge about medications but are not experts like pharmacists. Endocrinologists may be consulted for overall management of hyperpituitarism but medication teaching is best left to a pharmacist.

Question 5

A patient is suspected of having a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.For which additional health problem should the nurse anticipate planning care for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Disorders of the posterior pituitary gland can lead to diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by excessive urination and thirst. The other options are not associated with disorders of the posterior pituitary gland.

Question 6

The nurse is reviewing orders written for a patient with hypopituitarism.What should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Hypopituitarism involves a deficiency in one or more hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Depending on which hormones are affected, the patient may need electrolyte replacement therapy, such as sodium and potassium supplements. Diuretics, antibiotics, and antihypertensives are not typically used to treat hypopituitarism unless there are additional conditions present.

Question 7

A patient with hypopituitarism is experiencing muscle weakness.Which referral should the nurse make to help this patient?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy would be the best referral to help with muscle weakness as it focuses on restoring strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Home care, recreational therapy, and occupational therapy may be beneficial for other aspects of the patient's care but would not specifically address the muscle weakness.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with hypopituitarism.Which additional body structure will most like be examined to determine the root cause of this disorder?

Accepted Answer

Hypopituitarism is a disorder that affects the anterior pituitary gland, which is controlled by the hypothalamus. Therefore, examination of the hypothalamus would be needed to determine the root cause of this disorder.

Question 9

A patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)is experiencing a headache and confusion.Which laboratory test would best explain the reason for this patient's symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Patients with SIADH have excessive ADH secretion, which results in water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Therefore, measuring the serum sodium level would be the best laboratory test to understand the patient's symptoms of headache and confusion, which can be associated with hyponatremia.

Question 10

A patient with osteoarthritis develops the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).What information in the patient's history should the nurse identify as being the best reason for the development of this disorder?

Accepted Answer

The use of NSAIDs can lead to SIADH, which is a disorder that causes excessive water retention and low sodium levels in the body. Osteoarthritis patients often use NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation, which puts them at risk for developing SIADH. The other factors (male gender, age 70 years, African American) are not directly related to the development of SIADH in osteoarthritis patients.

Question 11

The bone density report for a patient with hypopituitarism shows areas of thinning and demineralization.What teaching should the nurse prepare for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The bone density report shows areas of thinning and demineralization, indicating the patient has osteoporosis. Calcium is essential for bone health, so the nurse should prepare teaching on food sources containing high amounts of calcium, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified products. A and B are not directly related to osteoporosis, and D is not an appropriate intervention for this condition.

Question 12

The nurse is reviewing orders written for a patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).Which order should the nurse clarify?

Accepted Answer

A "No added salt diet" may not be appropriate for SIADH patients, as they often require increased salt intake to help manage hyponatremia.

Question 13

A patient is being discharged after surgery for hyperpituitarism.What should the nurse emphasize to reduce the risk of postoperative infection?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding straining the suture line is important to prevent infection. Restricting fluids and maintaining bedrest are not necessary unless ordered by the healthcare provider. Expecting clear nasal drainage is not relevant to preventing infection in this case.

Question 14

A patient has a serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L.What action should the nurse take to ensure for this patient's safety?

Accepted Answer

A serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to neurological complications such as seizures. Therefore, implementing seizure precautions would be the best action to ensure the patient's safety. Wrist restraints, nasogastric tube insertion, and urinary catheterization are not indicated for this patient's condition.

Question 15

A patient is being treated for diabetes insipidus (DI).Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

Accepted Answer

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a medication commonly used to treat diabetes insipidus by decreasing urine output and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. Calcium, Synthroid, and Vitamin D are not medications used to treat DI.

Question 16

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient being treated for diabetes insipidus (DI).What should the nurse direct the patient to do regarding changes in body weight?

Accepted Answer

Changes in body weight can indicate a need for adjustment in medication or fluid intake, therefore, the patient should notify the healthcare provider if changes occur. Restricting fluids or increasing salty foods are not appropriate actions for managing DI. Taking an extra dose of medication should only be done as directed by the healthcare provider.

Question 17

A patient is concerned because facial features are changing and the hands are becoming larger and painful.Which hormone should the nurse suspect is causing this patient's manifestations?

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone production. This can lead to enlargement of facial features and hands, as well as joint pain. Testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone would not typically cause these specific symptoms.

Question 18

The nurse notes that patient with diabetes insipidus (DI)has a loss of free water.Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide care for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes insipidus (DI) results in a loss of free water, leading to fluid volume deficit. The primary focus of nursing care for DI is to restore fluid balance by assessing the patient's urinary output, administering prescribed medications, and monitoring for signs of dehydration. Therefore, the appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient is fluid volume deficit.

Question 19

A patient with diabetes insipidus (DI)is experiencing extreme dehydration.What should be used to guide intravenous fluid replacement therapy for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The best guide for intravenous fluid replacement therapy in a patient with diabetes insipidus experiencing extreme dehydration is the serum sodium level. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by excessive urine output and fluid loss, which can lead to hypernatremia. Monitoring the serum sodium level will help guide fluid replacement therapy to prevent further electrolyte imbalances. Skin turgor and hemoglobin level may provide additional information but they are not the primary guides for fluid replacement therapy in this case. Urine output total may be useful for diagnosing diabetes insipidus, but it is not helpful in determining the appropriate fluid replacement therapy for a patient who is already experiencing dehydration.

Question 20

A patient is demonstrating signs of low pituitary gland function.Which diagnostic test should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can detect abnormalities in the pituitary gland, which may indicate low pituitary gland function. MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. This diagnostic test is non-invasive and does not involve radiation exposure.

Quiz 41: Coordinating Care for Patients With Pituitary Disorders

A patient is being evaluated for possible hyperpituitarism.Which manifestation most likely caused this patient to seek medical treatment?

A patient is recovering from surgery to remove a pituitary tumor.Why should the nurse schedule frequent mouth care for this patient?

The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a female patient who has had minimal urine output over the last shift.Which finding suggests that this patient may be experiencing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) ?

The patient is preparing discharge teaching for a patient recovering from surgery to treat hyperpituitarism.Which interdisciplinary team member should be consulted to ensure medication teaching is appropriate?

A patient is suspected of having a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.For which additional health problem should the nurse anticipate planning care for this patient?

The nurse is reviewing orders written for a patient with hypopituitarism.What should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

A patient with hypopituitarism is experiencing muscle weakness.Which referral should the nurse make to help this patient?

A patient is diagnosed with hypopituitarism.Which additional body structure will most like be examined to determine the root cause of this disorder?

A patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is experiencing a headache and confusion.Which laboratory test would best explain the reason for this patient's symptoms?

A patient with osteoarthritis develops the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) .What information in the patient's history should the nurse identify as being the best reason for the development of this disorder?

The bone density report for a patient with hypopituitarism shows areas of thinning and demineralization.What teaching should the nurse prepare for this patient?

The nurse is reviewing orders written for a patient with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) .Which order should the nurse clarify?

A patient is being discharged after surgery for hyperpituitarism.What should the nurse emphasize to reduce the risk of postoperative infection?

A patient has a serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L.What action should the nurse take to ensure for this patient's safety?

A patient is being treated for diabetes insipidus (DI) .Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient being treated for diabetes insipidus (DI) .What should the nurse direct the patient to do regarding changes in body weight?

A patient is concerned because facial features are changing and the hands are becoming larger and painful.Which hormone should the nurse suspect is causing this patient's manifestations?

The nurse notes that patient with diabetes insipidus (DI) has a loss of free water.Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide care for this patient?

A patient with diabetes insipidus (DI) is experiencing extreme dehydration.What should be used to guide intravenous fluid replacement therapy for this patient?

A patient is demonstrating signs of low pituitary gland function.Which diagnostic test should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?