The nurse is caring for a client who has had a transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary tumour. Which of the following nursing actions should be included in the postoperative plan of care?
A)Monitor urine output every hour.
B)Palpate extremities for dependent edema.
C)Check hematocrit hourly for first 12 hours.
D)Obtain continuous pulse oximetry for 24 hours.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After pituitary surgery, the client is at risk for diabetes insipidus caused by cerebral edema and monitoring of urine output and urine specific gravity is essential. Hemorrhage is not a common problem. There is no need to check the hematocrit hourly. The client is at risk for dehydration, not volume overload. The client is not at high risk for problems with oxygenation, and continuous pulse oximetry is not needed.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Had