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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Age 45 years is incorrect. While age is a significant factor in osteoporosis risk, 45 years old isn't inherently considered a high-risk age for developing osteoporosis. However, bone density tends to decrease gradually with age, and after menopause in women, there's a more significant decline due to hormonal changes.
Choice B Reason:
Regular aerobic exercise is incorrect. Regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, is typically beneficial for bone health. It can help maintain or improve bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, regular aerobic exercise is generally considered a protective factor against osteoporosis, rather than a risk factor.
Choice C Reason:
Uses NSAIDs for pain relief is incorrect. While long-term use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids (steroids), can increase the risk of osteoporosis due to their impact on bone density, the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief isn't directly linked to osteoporosis as a significant risk factor. However, chronic use of certain medications might have implications for bone health and should be assessed on an individual basis.
Choice D Reason:
Smoking is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. It can have detrimental effects on bone health by interfering with the body's ability to absorb calcium, decreasing estrogen levels, and impairing bone-forming cells. Consequently, smokers have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to non-smokers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Instructing the client to tilt their head back to facilitate swallowing is not appropriate. Tilting the head back can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) for individuals with dysphagia. Instead, the client should maintain an upright position while eating.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to use a straw is inappropriate. Using a straw might increase the risk of aspiration because it can bypass the control mechanisms involved in safe swallowing, especially for someone with swallowing difficulties.
Choice C Reason:
Providing oral care before meals is correct. Providing oral care before meals helps to ensure that the client's mouth is clean, reducing the risk of infections and improving taste perception, which can enhance the client's willingness and ability to eat.
Choice D Reason:
Schedule physical therapy directly before meals is incorrect. Scheduling physical therapy directly before meals might tire the client and impact their ability to eat. Fatigue can negatively affect swallowing ability, so it's generally better to allow some rest or recovery time before meals.
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