Postoperative adrenalectomy: which finding should the nurse monitor for?

Postoperative adrenalectomy: which finding should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Bilateral exophthalmos
• B. Peripheral edema
• C. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia
• D. Signs and symptoms of hypovolemia

Answer: (D)

After adrenalectomy, the body lacks aldosterone, which normally promotes sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion. Without aldosterone, there is salt and water wasting, leading to decreased circulating volume. The most important finding to monitor is signs of hypovolemia, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and reduced urine output. These reflect the volume depletion that can occur when aldosterone is missing. Bilateral exophthalmos points to thyroid eye disease and isn’t a postoperative concern here. Peripheral edema suggests fluid overload rather than depletion. Signs of hypocalcemia are linked to parathyroid or calcium metabolism issues, not adrenal gland removal.

After adrenalectomy, the body lacks aldosterone, which normally promotes sodium and water reabsorption and potassium excretion. Without aldosterone, there is salt and water wasting, leading to decreased circulating volume. The most important finding to monitor is signs of hypovolemia, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and reduced urine output. These reflect the volume depletion that can occur when aldosterone is missing.

Bilateral exophthalmos points to thyroid eye disease and isn’t a postoperative concern here. Peripheral edema suggests fluid overload rather than depletion. Signs of hypocalcemia are linked to parathyroid or calcium metabolism issues, not adrenal gland removal.