A patient is being admitted with a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Which findings will the nurse expect during the assessment?
Purplish streaks on the abdomen
Chronically low blood pressure
Bronzed appearance of the skin
Decreased axillary and pubic hair
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Purplish streaks on the abdomen are also known as striae. They are caused by the thinning and weakening of the skin due to excess cortisol, a hormone that is elevated in Cushing syndrome. Striae are a common sign of Cushing syndrome, along with weight gain, moon face, and buffalo hump.
Choice B reason: Chronically low blood pressure is not associated with Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome can cause high blood pressure, due to the effects of cortisol on the cardiovascular system. Low blood pressure can be a sign of adrenal insufficiency, which is the opposite of Cushing syndrome.
Choice C reason: Bronzed appearance of the skin is not related to Cushing syndrome. Bronzed skin can be a sign of Addison's disease, which is a condition of low cortisol and low aldosterone. Addison's disease can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially in the areas exposed to sun, such as the face, neck, and hands.
Choice D reason: Decreased axillary and pubic hair is also not related to Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome can cause increased hair growth, especially on the face, chest, and back. This is due to the androgenic effects of cortisol. Decreased hair growth can be a sign of hypothyroidism, which is a condition of low thyroid hormone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is true. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume overload, as they indicate increased central venous pressure and right-sided heart failure.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. Hypotension is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Hypotension occurs when the blood pressure is too low to perfuse the vital organs.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Increased serum osmolality is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Increased serum osmolality occurs when the blood concentration of solutes, such as sodium and glucose, is too high due to fluid loss.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Dry oral mucosa is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Dry oral mucosa occurs when the oral cavity is dehydrated due to fluid loss.
Choice E reason: This statement is true. Decreased urine specific gravity is a sign of fluid volume overload, as it indicates diluted urine and impaired kidney function.
Choice F reason: This statement is true. Weight gain is a sign of fluid volume overload, as it indicates fluid retention and edema.
Choice G reason: This statement is false. Sunken anterior fontanelle is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Sunken anterior fontanelle occurs when the soft spot on the baby's head is depressed due to fluid loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Glucose: 88 mg/dL is a normal blood sugar level and does not indicate any problem with fluid or electrolyte balance¹.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. WBCs: 4000 is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. It may indicate a mild infection or inflammation, but not a serious fluid or electrolyte imbalance².
Choice C reason: This statement is false. K+: 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not dangerously low. It may indicate a mild potassium deficiency, which can cause muscle weakness, but not restlessness or agitation.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. Na+: 154 mEq/L is above the normal range and indicates hypernatremia, or high blood sodium level. This can cause dehydration, confusion, restlessness, agitation, and seizures. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Continuous tube feedings can increase the risk of hypernatremia if the formula is too concentrated or the fluid intake is inadequate⁵.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.