The nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing's syndrome who is scheduled for a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Before the surgery, which of the following interventions is appropriate to assess the patient for potential complications?
Explanation
• This patient is scheduled for removal of the pituitary gland due to hypersecretion of cortisol. Excess cortisol increases insulin resistance and elevates blood glucose.
• Nitrates in urine and an elevated temperature can be signs of infection, but they are not indicative of complications related to excess cortisol.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit alterations are not associated with cortisol secretion.