The nurse is monitoring a patient with Cushing’s disease in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a hypophysectomy.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the patient’s plan of care?

Choice A rationale

Chronic alcoholism is often associated with both Vitamin B12 and Folic acid deficiency anemia. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of these vitamins in the gut, leading to their deficiency.

Choice B rationale

Malabsorption syndrome can lead to Iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folic acid deficiency anemia. In malabsorption syndrome, the small intestine can’t absorb enough of certain nutrients and fluids.

Choice C rationale

Dietary deficiency can result in Iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and Folic acid deficiency anemia. These types of anemia can occur when the body doesn’t have enough of the vitamins needed to produce enough healthy red blood cells.

Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.

Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.