An adult client has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Which is most likely based on this client’s health status?

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: Explaining that physical changes in Cushing’s syndrome, like moon face and weight gain, result from excessive corticosteroids helps the client understand their condition. Cortisol excess causes fat redistribution and metabolic changes, and education promotes adherence to treatment and coping with body image changes, improving psychological and physical management.

Choice B reason: Offering cool, comfortable clothing or bedding addresses symptoms like heat intolerance in Cushing’s syndrome due to cortisol’s metabolic effects. However, it is less critical than education about the condition, as it does not address the underlying cause or promote understanding and adherence to long-term management strategies.

Choice C reason: Increasing salt and fluid intake is appropriate for Addison’s disease, not Cushing’s syndrome, where cortisol’s mineralocorticoid effects cause fluid retention and hypertension. This intervention could worsen fluid overload and hyponatremia, making it inappropriate and potentially harmful for managing Cushing’s syndrome symptoms.

Choice D reason: A high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet is not recommended for Cushing’s syndrome. Cortisol excess causes protein catabolism and hyperglycemia, so a balanced diet with adequate protein supports muscle maintenance and glucose control. This dietary suggestion does not address the metabolic needs of the condition.