Pituitary Drugs

Question 1

Somatotropin

Answer 1

Recombinantly made growth hormone

Stimulates skeletal growth in patients with deficient GH, such as hypopituitary dwarfism

Must monitor height and weight

Question 2

Octreotide (Sandostatin)

Answer 2

Carcinoid tumors secrete VIP that causes profuse diarrhea

Octreotide reduces the severe diarrhea, flushing, and potentially life-threatening hypotension that may occur with a carcinoid crisis

Question 3

Vasopressin

Answer 3

Posterior pituitary drug

Mimics the action of ADH; powerful vasoconstrictor

Increases water resorption in the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephrons and concentrates water, decreasing excretion

Used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus, which causes an electrolyte imbalance

Used for diabetes

Question 4

Nursing Implications

Answer 4

Octreotide: have patient report abdominal pain, use with caution in patients with renal impairment, monitor glucose levels in patients with diabetes

Rotate injection sites, do not discontinue abruptly

Question 5

Desmopressin

Answer 5

Used to treat Hemophilia A and Von Willebrand’s and nocturnal enuresis

Used for pulseless cardiac arrest