A male client is scheduled for a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy to remove a pituitary tumor. Preoperatively, the nurse should assess for potential complications by doing which of the following?
A. Testing for ketones in the urine.
B. Testing urine specific gravity.
C. Checking temperature every 4 hours.
D. Performing capillary glucose testing every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: D. Performing capillary glucose testing every 4 hours.
The nurse should perform capillary glucose testing every 4 hours because excess cortisol may cause insulin resistance, placing the client at risk for hyperglycemia.
Option A: Urine ketone testing isn’t indicated because the client does secrete insulin and, therefore, isn’t at risk for ketosis.
Option B: Urine specific gravity isn’t indicated because although fluid balance can be compromised, it usually isn’t dangerously imbalanced.
Option C: Temperature regulation may be affected by excess cortisol and isn’t an accurate indicator of infection.