[Clinical thinking and decision making in practice. A patient with postpartum malaise, anorexia, and ventricular

P W Kamphuisen1, M Levi, H A Kaasjager

  • 1Ziekenhuis Rijnstate, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, Postbus 9555, 6800 TA Arnhem. pkamphuisen@rijnstate.nl

A 34-year-old woman was hospitalised with hypotension, lethargy and ventricular tachycardia, five months after an uneventful pregnancy and delivery. Laboratory values were compatible with anterior (abnormal concentrations of adrenocorticotropin hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin) and posterior (diabetes insipidus) pituitary gland insufficiency. An MRI scan revealed that there was no pituitary enlargement and that the pituitary stalk was normal. The prompt recognition of hypophysitis as a potentially fatal condition is important, as a life-saving treatment is available.

Related Concept Videos

Critical Thinking II01:25

Critical Thinking II

Critical thinking is a cognitive process with several attributes. The attributes of critical thinking include the following:
Patient-centered Care01:13

Patient-centered Care

Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

Nursing management of dysrhythmias involves the following:AssessmentSubjective Assessment:The initial step involves gathering patient-reported symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and chest discomfort. It is crucial to collect a detailed history, including previous heart conditions, current medication use, and lifestyle factors like caffeine and alcohol consumption.Objective Assessment:This involves observing clinical signs such as jugular venous distention, cool and pale skin, and...
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
Critical Thinking I01:24

Critical Thinking I

Critical thinking helps decision-making and allows nurses to recognize barriers to success and find solutions to possible issues. It helps to brainstorm and implement ideas to achieve goals. Critical thinking helps acknowledge and state workflow inefficiencies while improving management techniques. Nurses understand the value of critical thinking and look for fellow nurses with critical thinking skills to upgrade their professional standards. Critical thinking can advance a nurse's career with...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...