Question

A pt with suspected acromegaly is seen at the clinic. To assist in making the diagnosis, which question should the nurse ask?

a. Have you had a recent head injury?
b. Do you have to wear larger shoes now?
c. Is there any family history of acromegaly?
d. Are you experiencing tremors or anxiety?During preoperative teaching for a patient scheduled for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for treatment of a pituitary adenoma, the nurse instructs the patient about the need to
a. remain on bed rest for the first 48 hours after the surgery.
b. avoid brushing the teeth for at least 10 days after the surgery.
c. cough and deep-breathe every 2 hrs postoperatively.
d. be positioned flat with sandbags at the head postoperatively.

Answer 1

To diagnose acromegaly, the nurse should ask if the patient needs larger shoes. Preoperatively, for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy patients must avoid brushing their teeth for at least 10 days to prevent disrupting the nasal entry healing site.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assist in making the diagnosis of acromegaly, the nurse should ask the patient "Do you have to wear larger shoes now?" This question is relevant because acromegaly can cause growth of bones in the hands and feet, requiring an increase in shoe size.

During preoperative teaching for a patient scheduled for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for the treatment of a pituitary adenoma, the nurse should instruct the patient to avoid brushing the teeth for at least 10 days after the surgery. Brushing could disrupt the healing process at the site of nasal entry, as this surgery involves accessing the pituitary gland through an incision under the upper lip or through the nostril.