Nursing Diagnosis for Acromegaly / Gigantism
Acromegaly is the overgrowth of the bones and soft tissues due to excessive secretion of the growth hormone. Incidence Acromegaly is uncommon; only three to four cases are diagnosed per million people each year. It develops very gradually and may not be recognized until it has been present for many years. hyperpituitarism occurs equally among men and women. The mean age at diagnosis is about 40-60 years. It is caused by prolonged, excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH). The most common cause of acromegaly is a benign tumour (adenoma) of the somatotroph cells, which produce growth hormone. These cells are within the anterior pituitary gland, located in the middle of the head just below the brain. Nursing Diagnosis for Acromegaly / Gigantism 1. Disturbed body image related to enlargement of body parts as manifested by enlarged hands, feet and jaw. 2. Disturbed sensory perception related to enlarged pituitary gland as manifested by protrusion of eye balls . 3. Fluid volume de...