When providing postoperative care for a patient who has had bilateral adrenalectomy, which assessment information obtained by the nurse is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the immediate postoperative period, marked fluctuation in cortisol levels may occur and the nurse must be alert for signs of acute adrenal insufficiency such as hypotension. The nurse should also address the elevated glucose, incisional pain, and crackles with appropriate collaborative or nursing actions, but prevention and treatment of acute adrenal insufficiency is the priority after adrenalectomy.

When Providing Postoperative Care for a Patient Who Has Had