The client's pituitary gland must be removed. Which surgery will the client undergo?

• A. Mastectomy
• B. Prostatectomy
• C. Hypophysectomy
• D. Thyroidectomy

Answer: (C)

Removing the pituitary gland is called a hypophysectomy, and this procedure is chosen when the pituitary must be eliminated due to tumor or disease. The pituitary is the master gland that stimulates the thyroid, adrenal cortex, gonads, and other tissues through its hormones, so removing it has widespread endocrine effects and often requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy. The other surgeries listed target different organs—breast tissue, the prostate, or the thyroid—so they are not relevant to removing the pituitary. After a hypophysectomy, careful monitoring for hormonal deficiencies and potential diabetes insipidus is essential, with appropriate hormone replacements such as steroids and thyroid hormone as needed.