A client has had a unilateral adrenalectomy and is being reinforced with discharge instructions. Which information should be included?

A client has had a unilateral adrenalectomy and is being reinforced with discharge instructions. Which information should be included?

• A. The need for lifelong replacement of all adrenal hormones
• B. The reason for maintaining a diabetic diet
• C. Teaching regarding proper application of an ostomy pouch
• D. Instructions about early signs of a wound infection

Answer: (D)

After a unilateral adrenalectomy, discharge teaching should emphasize wound care and recognizing signs of infection, since early detection of a postoperative wound infection can prevent serious complications. The patient will still have one adrenal gland remaining, so lifelong replacement of all adrenal hormones is not typically required; some hormone management may be needed around the perioperative period, but not as a lifelong blanket replacement for both glands. Information about a diabetic diet or ostomy pouch care is not directly relevant to this surgery, whereas teaching about early wound infection signs—such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, new or worsening drainage, fever, and increasing pain—helps the patient monitor recovery and seek prompt care.

After a unilateral adrenalectomy, discharge teaching should emphasize wound care and recognizing signs of infection, since early detection of a postoperative wound infection can prevent serious complications. The patient will still have one adrenal gland remaining, so lifelong replacement of all adrenal hormones is not typically required; some hormone management may be needed around the perioperative period, but not as a lifelong blanket replacement for both glands. Information about a diabetic diet or ostomy pouch care is not directly relevant to this surgery, whereas teaching about early wound infection signs—such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, new or worsening drainage, fever, and increasing pain—helps the patient monitor recovery and seek prompt care.