The nurse is providing education to a client who will be having a hypophysectomy. What should the nurse be sure to include to preventing complications?

Question

A) Lay in the supine flat position to avoid an increase in intracranial pressure.
B) Avoid drinking from a straw, sneezing, coughing, and bending over.
C) When the packing is removed, you may blow your nose to clear the clot.
D) Brush teeth with a firm bristle toothbrush.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Postoperatively, the client undergoes frequent neurologic assessments to detect signs of increased intracranial pressure and meningitis. If the client has nasal packing, the nurse monitors drainage from the nose and postnasal drainage for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid. The nurse modifies oral and facial hygiene to promote cleanliness without contributing to trauma near the operative site. The nurse also reminds the client to avoid drinking from a straw, sneezing, coughing, and bending over to prevent dislodging the graft that seals the operative area between the cranium and nose.