BIOC33H3 Lecture Notes - Lobectomy, Autoantibody, Paresthesia
25 Mar 2013
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Document Summary
Acromegaly results from excess secretion of growth hormone (gh). It is a rare condition of bone and soft tissue overgrowth. Bones increase in thickness and width but not length. Manifestations include enlargement of hands and feet, thickening and enlargement of face and head bony and soft tissue, sleep apnea, signs of diabetes mellitus, cardiomegaly, and hypertension. Treatment focuses on returning gh levels to normal through surgery, radiation, and drug therapy. The prognosis depends on age at onset, age when treatment is initiated, and tumor size. Nursing care for surgical patients postoperatively includes avoidance of vigorous coughing, sneezing, and straining at stool to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage from where the sella turcica was entered. After surgery with a transsphenoidal approach, the head of the bed is elevated to a 30- degree angle at all times, and neurologic status is monitored. Mild analgesia is used for headaches, and toothbrushing is avoided for at least 10 days.
