A nurse is providing care to a client diagnosed with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse understands that the primary problem involves which gland?

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Constant supervision is impractical and not the most effective way to reduce fall risk in Cushing syndrome. While supervision can help, it does not address environmental hazards or promote independence. Muscle weakness from corticosteroid-induced myopathy increases fall risk, making targeted prevention strategies more practical and effective.

Choice B reason: Fall-prevention measures, such as removing obstacles, ensuring adequate lighting, and using non-slip mats, directly address the risk of injury from muscle weakness in Cushing syndrome. These measures reduce environmental hazards and promote safety, effectively mitigating the risk of falls due to corticosteroid-induced myopathy and osteoporosis.

Choice C reason: Encouraging bed rest increases the risk of complications like muscle atrophy and thromboembolism in Cushing syndrome. Prolonged immobility exacerbates muscle weakness and bone loss, both already worsened by corticosteroids, making bed rest counterproductive to maintaining strength and reducing injury risk from falls.

Choice D reason: Assistive devices like canes or walkers can help, but they are not the primary strategy. Fall-prevention measures address environmental risks broadly, benefiting all patients with weakness. Devices are useful for severe mobility issues but are less comprehensive than environmental modifications for preventing falls in Cushing syndrome.

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: A blood pressure reading of 120/85 mm Hg is normal but not specific to SIADH. While fluid overload in SIADH may elevate blood pressure, this reading is not diagnostic. Hypertension is possible but not a consistent finding, as fluid retention primarily causes hyponatremia and other symptoms.

Choice B reason: Pitting edema in the lower extremities is uncommon in SIADH, as fluid retention is primarily intravascular, leading to dilutional hyponatremia rather than extravascular edema. Edema is more typical in conditions like heart failure or nephrotic syndrome, not the water retention mechanism of SIADH.

Choice C reason: Normal skin turgor is not typical in SIADH, as water retention can cause slight fluid overload, potentially leading to subtle tissue swelling. While not as pronounced as edema, skin turgor may be slightly increased due to excess fluid, making “normal” less accurate than moist mucous membranes.

Choice D reason: Moist mucous membranes are expected in SIADH due to excessive water retention from ADH overactivity. This leads to fluid overload, keeping mucosal tissues hydrated and moist, unlike the dehydration seen in diabetes insipidus, which causes dry mucous membranes due to water loss.