Chapter 30: Pituitary Drugs(7 Questions)

1. The nurse notes in a patient’s medication history that the patient has been taking desmopressin (DDAVP). Based on this finding, the nurse interprets that the patient has which disorder?

a. Diabetes mellitus

b. Diabetes insipidus

c. Adrenocortical insufficiency

d. Carcinoid tumor

ANS: B

Desmopressin is used to prevent or control polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria, and dehydration in patients with diabetes insipidus. The symptoms are caused by a deficiency of endogenous antidiuretic hormone. The other options are incorrect.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF: p. 496

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Assessment

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

2. A 16-year-old boy who is taking somatropin comes into the office because he had an asthma attack during a race at school. Because of this new development, the nurse expects which intervention to occur next?

a. He will need to stop participating in school physical education classes.

b. The somatropin must be discontinued immediately.

c. The somatropin dosage may be adjusted.

d. His growth will be documented and monitored for changes.

ANS: C

Somatropin is to be used with caution in acute or chronic illnesses, such as migraine headaches, epilepsy, and asthma. It will not have to be immediately discontinued but will require close monitoring. The patient’s growth will be measured and documented throughout therapy with somatropin.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Applying (Application)

REF: p. 496

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Implementation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

3. When a patient is receiving vasopressin (Pitressin), the nurse will monitor for which therapeutic response?

a. Improved appetite

b. Increased serum albumin levels

c. Increased serum potassium levels

d. Decreased urinary output

ANS: D

Decreased severe thirst and decreased urinary output are the therapeutic responses expected with vasopressin. The other options are incorrect.

DIF: COGNITIVE LEVEL: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF: p. 497

TOP: NURSING PROCESS: Evaluation

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies