Final answer:
After a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, a nurse should primarily watch for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and monitor the patient's blood glucose levels due to the pituitary gland's role in hormonal regulation affecting glucose metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the nurse should assess the client for signs of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. This type of surgery involves accessing the pituitary gland through the sphenoid sinus, and a leak post-surgery could indicate a breach in the dura mater, which can potentially lead to meningitis or other serious infections.
In addition to checking for a CSF leak, monitoring for fluctuating blood glucose levels is crucial due to the pituitary gland's role in regulating hormones that affect glucose metabolism. Although Cushing's syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias are important to consider in the broader scope of pituitary disorders and surgery respectively, they are not the primary immediate concerns following this specific procedure.