Which condition would the nurse suspect in a patient recovering from the removal of a brain tumor with an increase in urinary output to 450 ml of very light urine in the past hour?

Choice A reason: Obesity, particularly central, is common in Cushing syndrome due to cortisol-induced fat redistribution. This aligns with endocrine assessment findings, making it a correct manifestation the nurse would expect when evaluating a patient with Cushing syndrome for physical signs.

Choice B reason: Bruising occurs in Cushing syndrome due to cortisol weakening blood vessels and skin. This is a typical integumentary finding, aligning with clinical assessments, making it a correct manifestation the nurse would note in a patient with Cushing syndrome during evaluation.

Choice C reason: Edema results from cortisol’s mineralocorticoid effects, causing fluid retention in Cushing syndrome. This aligns with cardiovascular and fluid balance assessments, making it a correct manifestation the nurse would expect when assessing a patient with this endocrine disorder.

Choice D reason: Abdominal pain is not a primary manifestation of Cushing syndrome, though striae or muscle weakness may occur. Obesity and bruising are more specific, making this incorrect, as it is not a typical finding in the nurse’s assessment of Cushing syndrome.

Choice E reason: Bronze skin is associated with Addison’s disease, not Cushing syndrome, which causes moon facies or buffalo hump. Obesity and edema are correct, making this incorrect, as it misattributes a finding to Cushing syndrome in the nurse’s assessment.

Choice A reason: Showering and walking the next day are appropriate post-thyroidectomy activities, promoting mobility without strain. Expecting yellow drainage indicates a misunderstanding, as it suggests infection, making this correct and incorrect for needing further teaching, as it aligns with recovery expectations.

Choice B reason: Yellow drainage from the incision suggests infection, not a normal post-thyroidectomy expectation, indicating a need for further teaching. Normal drainage, if any, is minimal and serosanguinous, making this the correct choice, as it reflects a misconception requiring clarification in the patient’s recovery education.

Choice C reason: Avoiding heavy lifting is accurate, as it prevents strain on the surgical site post-thyroidectomy. Yellow drainage is an incorrect expectation, making this correct and incorrect for needing teaching, as it aligns with proper recovery restrictions to ensure healing and safety.

Choice D reason: Avoiding excessive neck extension is appropriate to protect the incision and promote healing post-thyroidectomy. Yellow drainage is a misconception, making this correct and incorrect for needing teaching, as it reflects proper understanding of activity limitations during the recovery period.