Acromegaly (giantism)

Pituitary gland creates too much growth hormone, can be hereditary, generally diagnosed during childhood, can grow 7-8 ft tall
Bones and muscles grow bigger than 'normal'
Enlarged facial features, hands, and feet
Diaphoresis
Offensive body odour
Impaired vision
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Limited joint mobility
Headaches
Decreased life span
Monitor BGL as the patient can develop diabetes, refer to dietitian, monitor BP as patient can become hypertensive, disturbed sensory perception - falls risk, body image issues, fluid volume deficit - FBC monitoring, consider patient education and communication due to intellectual impairment, increased urine production, increased metabolism
Hypothyroidism
Caused by a pituitary tumour
Surgery to remove the tumour, radiation, medications to shrink tumour

Resource summary

	Created by Tafe Teachers SB over 5 years ago