A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. A diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is suspected. Which of the following tests would the nurse anticipate the health care provider will order to help confirm the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome?

Radioactive iodine uptake test

24-hour cortisol urine study

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test

Edrophonium (Tensilon) test

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Radioactive iodine uptake test: This test is used to assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism. It is not used to diagnose Cushing syndrome.
B. 24-hour cortisol urine study: This test measures cortisol levels in the urine over a 24-hour period and is commonly used to diagnose Cushing syndrome by evaluating elevated cortisol production.
C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test: This test evaluates adrenal function and is typically used to assess adrenal insufficiency rather than Cushing syndrome.
D. Edrophonium (Tensilon) test: This test is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, not Cushing syndrome. It evaluates the effect of the medication on muscle strength.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A 40-year-old patient with Cushing syndrome and gynecomastia: While Cushing syndrome requires ongoing management and monitoring, gynecomastia alone is not an urgent concern compared to the symptoms described in option B.
B. A 58-year-old patient with Addison's disease who is exhibiting confusion: Addison's disease can lead to adrenal insufficiency, and confusion could indicate an adrenal crisis or severe electrolyte imbalance. This is a critical situation requiring immediate assessment to prevent severe complications.
C. A 45-year-old patient with Graves' disease and exophthalmos: Graves' disease with exophthalmos is significant but does not typically represent an immediate life-threatening condition compared to the symptoms associated with Addison's disease.
D. A 47-year-old patient with hypothyroidism who is asking for a warm blanket: This patient’s request for a warm blanket suggests they might be experiencing symptoms related to hypothyroidism, such as feeling cold. However, this is less urgent compared to the confusion and potential crisis in option B.

A. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol B. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol C. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol D. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol: In cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome, the tumor produces ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Therefore, both ACTH and cortisol levels are elevated.
B. Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol: This scenario is less likely as elevated ACTH typically results in increased cortisol production, not decreased.
C. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated cortisol: This is characteristic of primary adrenal insufficiency, not ectopic ACTH syndrome, where ACTH levels are usually high.
D. Low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and low cortisol: This pattern is inconsistent with Cushing syndrome, especially due to ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors, which typically result in elevated ACTH and cortisol.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. A diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is suspected. Which of the following tests would the nurse anticipate the health care provider will order to help confirm the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

At the beginning of the shift, a nurse receives report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse place priority on assessing first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client Exhibits Select the 3 interventions that the nurse should anticipate for this client.

The patient is returning to the unit after undergoing a bilateral adrenalectomy. Which clinical manifestation would indicate that the client is experiencing an Addisonian crisis?

A client is experiencing tachycardia and tremors. Lab values show elevated Free T4 and low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Which diagnostic study will help the practitioner differentiate Graves' disease from other forms of hyperthyroidism?

A 28-year-old female client who is in the first trimester of pregnancy is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Which of the following would be the preferred treatment for this client?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has a new diagnosis of Addison's disease. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the client makes which of the following statements?

A nurse is caring for a client after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following manifestations would lead the nurse to suspect that the procedure caused damage to the client's parathyroid glands?

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed Cushing syndrome due to long-term corticosteroid therapy to treat multiple sclerosis. The nurse understands that Cushing syndrome puts the client at increased risk for which complication?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has Graves' disease. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?