ATI LPN
Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition
Chapter 62 : Care of Patients with Pituitary and Adrenal Gland Problems Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The nurse notes nuchal rigidity. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nuchal rigidity may indicate a complication such as meningitis or cerebrospinal fluid leak following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Taking vital signs, including temperature, is the priority to assess for signs of infection or other systemic issues that require immediate intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a hypophysectomy. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After this surgery, the client must take care to avoid activities that can increase intracranial pressure. The client should avoid bending from the waist, bearing down, coughing, or lying flat. With this approach, there is no incision to clean and dress. Protection from sun exposure is not necessary after this procedure.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client with Cushing's disease. Which action should the nurse include in this client's plan of care to prevent injury?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome or disease greatly increases the serum levels of cortisol, which contributes to excessive bone demineralization and increases the risks for pathologic bone fracture. Using a lift sheet to change the client's position minimizes the risk of fractures, providing the most effective protection compared to other options.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who was prescribed high-dose corticosteroid therapy for 1 month to treat a severe inflammatory condition. The client's symptoms have now resolved and the client asks, 'When can I stop taking these medications?' How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the most common causes of adrenal insufficiency, a life-threatening problem, is the sudden cessation of long-term, high-dose corticosteroid therapy. This therapy suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and must be withdrawn gradually to allow for pituitary production of adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenal production of cortisol.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse cares for a client with adrenal hyperfunction. The client screams at her husband, bursts into tears, and throws a pitcher against the wall. She then tells the nurse, 'I feel like I am going crazy.' How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypercortisolism can cause the client to exhibit neurotic to psychotic behavior due to elevated cortisol levels. The client needs to understand that this behavior is a result线�1:27 PM 7/1/2025 result of their condition and will improve with treatment. A psychiatric consult, support groups, or restricted visitors are not necessary at this time.