The nurse is teaching a client about the need for supplemental thyroid hormone following a hypophysectomy because of an anterior pituitary adenoma.The client 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

A hypophysectomy involves the removal of the anterior pituitary gland, which is responsible for releasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. Without TSH, the thyroid gland will not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism that requires hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, the nurse's statement that the client's "thyroid gland no longer gets messages from the pituitary" is the most appropriate explanation for why the client needs supplemental thyroid hormone. The other choices are incorrect or incomplete explanations.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Client About the Need for Supplemental