MEDizzy - A client with a pituitary tumor had a transsphenoidal

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Endocrinology

A client with a pituitary tumor had a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Following surgery, the nurse places the head of the bed in which of the following positions?

ExplanationAfter surgery in which a transsphenoidal approach has been used, the head of the client’s bed is elevated at a 30-degree angle at all times. This elevation avoids pressure on the sella turcica and decreases headaches, a frequent postoperative problem. The nurse monitors neurologic status, including pupillary response, in order to detect neurologic complications. None of the other head-of bed positions avoids pressure on the sella turcica or prevents increased intracranial pressure.