A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a tonometry examination with a client who has manifestations of glaucoma. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Administering intravenous fluids is not the most appropriate initial action for managing hypopituitarism. While IV fluids may be necessary in cases of acute adrenal crisis or severe dehydration, they do not address the underlying hormone deficiencies caused by hypopituitarism. The primary treatment focuses on replacing the deficient hormones to restore normal physiological functions.

Choice B Reason:

Performing a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove pituitary tumors. While this may be necessary if a tumor is causing hypopituitarism, it is not the initial action for managing the condition. The first step is to stabilize the patient with hormone replacement therapy before considering surgical interventions.

Choice C Reason:

Initiating hormone replacement therapy is the most appropriate initial action for managing hypopituitarism. This condition results in the deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones, and replacing these hormones is crucial to restore normal body functions. Hormone replacement therapy may include cortisol, thyroid hormone, sex hormones, and growth hormone, depending on which hormones are deficient.

Choice D Reason:

Recommending dietary modifications alone is not sufficient to manage hypopituitarism. While a balanced diet can support overall health, it does not address the specific hormone deficiencies associated with this condition. Hormone replacement therapy is essential for managing hypopituitarism effectively.

Choice A Reason:

Administering IV levothyroxine is the priority intervention for a patient with myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that requires immediate thyroid hormone replacement to correct the deficiency and stabilize the patient’s condition. Intravenous levothyroxine is preferred because it provides a rapid increase in thyroid hormone levels, which is crucial for reversing the life-threatening symptoms of myxedema coma, such as hypothermia, bradycardia, and altered mental status.

Choice B Reason:

Starting broad-spectrum antibiotics is not the primary intervention for myxedema coma. While infections can precipitate myxedema coma and should be treated if present, the immediate priority is to address the severe hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement. Antibiotics may be administered if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but they do not directly address the underlying thyroid hormone deficiency.

Choice C Reason:

Administering corticosteroids immediately is important but not the highest priority. Corticosteroids are often given to patients with myxedema coma to treat potential adrenal insufficiency, which can coexist with severe hypothyroidism. However, the primary intervention remains the administration of thyroid hormone replacement to correct the hypothyroid state.

Choice D Reason:

Initiating fluid restriction is not appropriate for managing myxedema coma. Patients with myxedema coma often require careful fluid management to address potential hyponatremia and maintain hemodynamic stability. Fluid restriction is not a standard intervention for this condition and does not address the critical need for thyroid hormone replacement.