A patient with Cushing syndrome returns to the surgical unit following an adrenalectomy. During the initial postoperative period, the nurse gives the highest priority to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After adrenalectomy, the patient is at risk for circulatory instability caused by fluctuating hormone levels, and the focus of care is to assess and maintain fluid and electrolyte status through the use of IV fluids and corticosteroids. The other goals also are important for the patient but are not as immediately life-threatening as the circulatory collapse that can occur with fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

A Patient with Cushing Syndrome Returns to the Surgical Unit