CHAPTER 8 Endocrine System^351
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Daily weighing to monitor fluid status.
- Monitor input and output to ensure adequate hydration.
- Monitor for glucose and acetone in urine as elevated levels of corticosteroids
may produce hyperglycemia. - Allow for adequate rest to allow the body to stabilize.
- Avoid trauma to the skin because elevated levels of corticosteroids can delay
wound healing. - Bone densitometry to assess for osteoporosis as corticosteroids can leech
calcium from the bone. - Following surgery:
- Assist in early ambulation, deep breathing, coughing to facilitate mucous
mobilization and decrease risk for emboli. - Monitor incision site for drainage, erythema, and signs of infection.
- Assist in early ambulation, deep breathing, coughing to facilitate mucous
- Explain to patient:
- Maintain a high-calorie, high-calcium diet to aid in wound repair and
replace calcium. - Administer pain medication as needed.
- Maintain a high-calorie, high-calcium diet to aid in wound repair and
Primary Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
WHAT WENT WRONG?
The adrenal cortex is secreting an excessive amount of aldosterone caused by
an adrenal tumor, a malfunctioning adrenal cortex, or sources outside the adrenal
gland producing aldosterone. Some medications, such as calcium channel block-
ers, can lower aldosterone levels which can confuse the diagnosis.
PROGNOSIS
The patient can expect a normal life span, if diagnosed and treated early.
11