NSG307 Pituitary Chapter 30 NCLEX
The nurse has a prescription to administer vasopressin (Pitressin) to a pediatric patient for gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The dose prescribed is 0.003 units/kg/min. The patient's weight is 55 lb. What is the correct infusion rate for vasopressin?
0.075 units/min The patient's weight of 55 lb is converted to kilograms by dividing 55 by 2.2, which equals 25 kg. When 25 kg is multiplied by 0.003 units/kg/min, the result is 0.075 units/min.
The health care provider prescribes somatropin (Genotropin) in a dosage of 0.35 mg/kg/wk intramuscularly for growth hormone deficiency. The patient's weight is 48 lb. What is the correct dose for the nurse to administer?
7.6 mg/wk The patient's weight of 48 lb is converted to kilograms by dividing 48 by 2.2, which equals 21.81 kg. When 21.81 kg is multiplied by 0.35 mg/kg/week, the result is 7.63 mg, which rounds to 7.6 mg.
When teaching a patient the adverse effects of desmopressin (DDAVP), the nurse will instruct the patient to monitor for which potential adverse effects? (Select all that apply.) A. Headache B. Weight gain C. Hypotension D. Nasal irritation E. Hyperglycemia
A, B, D Desmopressin works to decrease urine output; thus, the patient could retain fluid and gain weight. Other common adverse effects include increased blood pressure, fever, headache, abdominal cramps, and nausea. Desmopressin does not affect serum glucose levels. Because it is administered intranasally, it can be irritating; thus, nostrils should be rotated.
After administering somatropin (Genotropin) to a patient, the nurse would assess for potential adverse effects of this medication by monitoring which laboratory test result? A. Glucose B. Platelets C. Potassium D. Magnesium
A. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are potential adverse effects of somatropin therapy.
The nurse would question a prescription for somatropin (Genotropin) in a patient with which condition? A. Dwarfism B. Acromegaly C. Growth failure D. Hypopituitarism
B. Somatropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone. Acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone, and thus this drug would be contraindicated.
Which is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient receiving desmopressin (DDAVP)? A. Risk for injury B. Acute pain C. Excess fluid volume D. Deficient knowledge regarding medication
C. Desmopressin is a form of antidiuretic hormone, which increases sodium and water retention, leading to an alteration in fluid volume. Although the other nursing diagnoses may be appropriate, they are not a priority using Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
The nurse admitting a patient with acromegaly anticipates administering which medication? A. Corticotropin (Acthar) B. Desmopressin (DDAVP) C. Octreotide (Sandostatin) D. Somatropin (Genotropin)
C. Octreotide suppresses growth hormone, the culprit of acromegaly.
The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes insipidus (DI) who is receiving vasopressin (Pitressin). What therapeutic effect does the nurse expect from this drug? A. Increase in thirst B. Improved skin turgor C. Decrease in urine output D. Normal serum albumin level
C. Vasopressin increases the water reabsorption in the kidneys, thus decreasing urine output. It is used to treat DI, which presents with polydipsia, polyuria, and dehydration.
A patient has developed DI after a head injury. Which medication should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for the management of DI? A. Corticotrophin (Acthar) B. Octreotide (Sandostatin) C. Somatropin (Genotropin) D. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
D. Vasopressin (Pitressin) and desmopressin (DDAVP) are used to prevent or control polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria, and dehydration in patients with DI caused by a deficiency of endogenous antidiuretic hormone.
