(^342) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
occurs after epiphyseal closure, which is rare, the patient has acromegaly resulting
in bone thickening, growth in width (transverse growth), and enlarged organs
(visceromegaly).
PROGNOSIS
Successful treatment can stop progression of the disease; however, physical changes
that occur before treatment begins are permanent.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Increased body size caused by overproduction of growth hormone
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Increased serum growth hormone as the pituitary gland is producing an excess
of growth hormone. - Increased prolactin; most pituitary tumors will cause on overproduction of
one or more of the pituitary hormones. - Increased glucose; diabetes is common in acromegaly.
TREATMENT
- Administer dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline to
decrease the tumor size. - Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Disturbed body image related to illness or illness treatment
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
- Perform range of motion exercise to assure joint mobility.
- Provide emotional support.