Which manifestation would the nurse find when assessing a patient with Cushing syndrome? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: High T4 levels indicate excessive thyroid hormone production, a hallmark of hyperthyroidism. This aligns with endocrine diagnostic criteria, making it a correct test result the nurse would expect, reflecting the overactive thyroid function in a patient with suspected hyperthyroidism.

Choice B reason: High TSH levels suggest hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, where TSH is typically low due to negative feedback. This is incorrect, as it contradicts the hormonal profile expected in hyperthyroidism, making it an inaccurate test result for the nurse’s evaluation.

Choice C reason: Low T4 levels are associated with hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, which features elevated T4. This is incorrect, as it does not reflect the increased thyroid hormone production expected in hyperthyroidism, making it an inaccurate finding for the nurse’s assessment.

Choice D reason: Low TSH levels occur in hyperthyroidism due to feedback suppression from high thyroid hormones. This aligns with endocrine lab diagnostics, making it a correct test result the nurse would expect, confirming the overactive thyroid state in the patient’s evaluation.

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.