Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

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.
  
  
  
  


• Explain to patient:
  
  
  • Maintain a high-calorie, high-calcium diet to aid in wound repair and
    replace calcium.
  
  
  • Administer pain medication as needed.
  
  
  
  

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.

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