Final answer:
After a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, assessing for hypocortisolism is crucial due to the surgery's impact on the pituitary gland and its hormone regulation, which can result in hypoglycemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the nurse should carefully assess the client for hypocortisolism.
Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a pituitary tumor through the nasal cavity and sphenoid sinus without disturbing brain tissue. This surgery affects the pituitary gland which regulates key hormones including cortisol. Post-surgery, hypocortisolism can occur due to the reduction or absence of hormones normally produced by the pituitary gland.
Symptoms of hypocortisolism can include fatigue, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). In contrast, hypersecretion of cortisol can lead to Cushing's syndrome, characterized by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), obesity, and hypertension. Therefore, the hypoglycemia associated with hypocortisolism is a critical concern post-hypophysectomy.