The pituitary gland is a gland that is part of the endocrine system. It is very small that weights about half a gram. It can be found near the end of the brain stem and near the hypothalamus. The main function of the pituitary gland is to release hormones. These hormones affect growth, thyroid, and proteins.
A tumor may grow in your pituitary gland, but this is due to the extra hormones that are secreted. Most of the time these growths are not life-threatening, but they should still be monitored by a doctor. If a nurse is observing a client and this client has a tumor on the pituitary gland, there are certain things that the nurse should do including taking his or her weight.
Take daily weight., assess urine specific gravity,monitor intake and output.
Tumors of the pituitary gland can lead to diabetes insipidus because of a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (adh). Decreased adh reduces the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, resulting in excessive urination, excessive thirst, and excessive fluid intake. To monitor fluid balance, the nurse should weigh the client daily, measure urine specific gravity, and monitor intake and output. The nurse should encourage fluids to keep intake equal to output and prevent dehydration. Coffee, tea, and other fluids that have a diuretic effect should be avoided.
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