A nurse is collecting data from a client who has Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Jaundice
Muscle rigidity
Weight loss
Easily bruised
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is typically associated with liver dysfunction or conditions affecting the breakdown of red blood cells, not directly linked to Cushing's syndrome. While some liver abnormalities can be seen in Cushing's syndrome due to metabolic changes, jaundice is not a typical manifestation of this condition.
Choice B Reason:
Muscle rigidity is more commonly associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or certain muscle disorders. In Cushing's syndrome, muscle weakness due to protein breakdown and muscle wasting is a more expected finding rather than muscle rigidity.
Choice C Reason:
Weight loss is incorrect. Weight gain, particularly in the central part of the body (trunk) and face (creating a "moon face"), is a more common characteristic of Cushing's syndrome. The excess cortisol often leads to increased fat deposits, especially in these areas, rather than weight loss.
Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, either due to the body producing too much cortisol or from long-term use of corticosteroid medications. Considering this condition, the nurse should expect the following finding:
Choice D Reason:
Easily bruised is correct. Excess cortisol can lead to the thinning of the skin and weakening of blood vessels, making individuals with Cushing's syndrome prone to easy bruising. Other common findings associated with Cushing's syndrome include weight gain (especially in the trunk and face), muscle weakness, high blood pressure, fatigue, and changes in skin such as thinning and purple stretch marks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"The organism that causes TB becomes resistant to antituberculotic medications when you only take one medication." This statement is appropriate.
Tuberculosis bacteria tend to develop resistance to single medications when used alone. Using multiple medications simultaneously helps prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to any single drug. This strategy, known as combination therapy, is crucial in treating TB effectively and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
When TB bacteria are exposed to just one medication, they can mutate and become resistant to that specific drug. However, using a combination of medications helps ensure that if one medication fails to eliminate some bacteria due to resistance, the other drugs can still work against the resistant strains.
Preventing drug resistance is essential for successful TB treatment and to avoid the need for more complex and less effective medications if resistance develops.
Choice B Reason:
"Taking several antituberculotic medications will protect your liver from toxic effects." This statement is incorrect. While it's true that some antituberculotic medications can have hepatotoxic effects (adverse effects on the liver), the primary reason for using multiple medications in TB treatment isn't solely to protect the liver. The main goal of using multiple medications is to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB bacteria. Protecting the liver is an important consideration in medication selection and monitoring but isn't the primary rationale for multiple medications.
Choice C Reason:
"People who have a severe form of TB need several antituberculotic medications, but those who have less severe TB need just one medication." This statement is incorrect. The severity of TB doesn't determine the number of medications required. The standard treatment approach for TB involves multiple medications, regardless of the severity. This approach aims to prevent the development of drug resistance, ensure effective treatment, and reduce the risk of treatment failure. Using a combination of medications is a fundamental strategy to combat TB effectively.
Choice D Reason:
"Adverse effects occur more often and are more severe when you take only one antituberculotic medication." This statement is incorrect. While it's true that adverse effects can occur with antituberculotic medications, the primary reason for using multiple medications isn't solely to reduce adverse effects. The main concern addressed by using multiple drugs is preventing the development of drug-resistant TB strains. Using a combination of medications reduces the likelihood of resistance developing and increases the effectiveness of treatment, rather than solely minimizing adverse effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason;
"You should consume small, frequent meals each day." This statement is advisable for COPD management. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent bloating or feeling overly full, which might interfere with breathing due to increased pressure on the diaphragm.
Choice B Reason:
"You should decrease your caloric intake by 200 calories per day." While maintaining a healthy weight is important for COPD management, reducing caloric intake without specific guidance or assessment might not be suitable. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian for individualized dietary recommendations.
Choice C Reason:
"You should increase your oxygen to 5 liters per minute if you have shortness of breath." Adjusting oxygen flow should be done based on a healthcare provider's prescribed guidelines. Self-adjustment of oxygen flow without medical advice can be risky and might not address the underlying cause of shortness of breath during a COPD exacerbation.
Choice D Reason:
"You should discontinue your prednisone when your symptoms improve." Prednisone or other corticosteroids are often prescribed during a COPD exacerbation to reduce inflammation in the airways. However, discontinuing corticosteroids abruptly without a healthcare provider's guidance can lead to a recurrence of symptoms or potential complications. It's important to follow the prescribed regimen and complete the course as directed.
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