it would be a priority to report which finding when caring for a patient with cushing's syndrome?

by Ms. Rosemarie Halvorson 6 min read

Solved: It would be a priority to report which finding when …

8 hours ago The nurse is assessing a client with possible Cushing's syndrome. In a client with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse would expect to find: 1. Hypotension. 2. Thick, coarse skin. 3. deposits of … >> Go To The Portal


What would a nurse expect to find in a client with Cushing's syndrome?

In a client with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse would expect to find: 1. Hypotension 2. Thick, coarse skin 3. deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area

How is Cushing’s syndrome diagnosed?

To detect Cushing’s syndrome, the following are performed: Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Dexamethasone (1 mg) is administered orally at 11pm, and a plasma cortisol level is obtained at 8am the next morning, and this usually confirms the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Stimulation test.

How do you deal with a patient with Cushing's syndrome?

Reassure the patient that the physical changes are very common in patients with Cushing syndrome. b. Discuss the use of diet and exercise in controlling the weight gain associated with Cushing syndrome.

Is a patient diagnosed with Cushing's disease at risk for injury?

The nurse has determined that a patient diagnosed with Cushing's disease is at risk for injury. What intervention is necessary? Instruct patient to use an electric razor. Which laboratory results indicate that fluid restrictions have been effective in treating syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

Which clinical findings would a nurse expect to find in a patient with Cushing syndrome?

A patient with Cushing's syndrome include an increase in serum sodium and a decrease in potassium levels. Blood studies. Indicators of Cushing's syndrome include an increase in the blood glucose levels, a reduction in the number of eosinophils, and disappearance of lymphoid tissue.

What clinical findings are associated with Cushing syndrome?

Too much cortisol can cause some of the hallmark signs of Cushing syndrome — a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on your skin. Cushing syndrome can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and, on occasion, type 2 diabetes.

What are the priority nursing responsibilities in the care of Cushing syndrome?

Encourage the client to have low sodium and high potassium diet. Too much sodium in the diet promotes fluid retention and weight gain. There should be an adequate potassium in the diet since the elevation of cortisol level causes hypokalemia. Administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed.

Which are the possible signs symptoms of Cushing's syndrome for a patient seen with complications due to therapy corticosteroid?

What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?weight gain.thin arms and legs.a round face.increased fat around the base of the neck.a fatty hump between the shoulders.easy bruising.wide purple stretch marks, mainly on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and under the arms.weak muscles.

How is Cushing syndrome diagnosed?

The 24-hour urinary cortisol test measures the amount of cortisol being produced within the urine over the course of an entire day. Levels higher than 50-100 micrograms per day in an adult suggest the presence of Cushing's syndrome.

What tests are done to diagnose Cushing's?

The Diagnostic Workup of Cushing Syndrome Involves This may include blood tests, 24h-urine tests, salivary cortisol measurements, dexamethasone suppression tests (this is a test where you are given a medication and then blood test are performed to see how your cortisol level responds).

What is Cushing syndrome nursing?

Cushing Syndrome NCLEX Review and Nursing Care Plans. Cushing's syndrome is a disorder that involves the excessive levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol plays a variety of roles in the body, an example of which is that it helps in reducing inflammation and in controlling blood pressure.

What are symptoms of high cortisol levels?

General signs and symptoms of too much cortisol include:weight gain, mostly around the midsection and upper back.weight gain and rounding of the face.acne.thinning skin.easy bruising.flushed face.slowed healing.muscle weakness.More items...•

What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome?

Pituitary gland tumors. The pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates cortisol production in the adrenal glands. This is called Cushing disease. Ectopic tumors.

How would you differentiate Cushing's disease from Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing disease is a specific type of Cushing syndrome. It occurs when a pituitary tumor causes the body to make too much cortisol. Cushing disease is the most common form of endogenous (from the body) Cushing syndrome, and makes up about 70% of Cushing syndrome cases.

What is the cause of hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is caused by reduced aldosterone secretion. Reduced cortisol secretion leads to impaired glyconeogenesis and a reduction of glycogen in the liver and muscle, causing hypoglycemia. A client with Addison's disease comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit.

What is the term for a decrease in cardiac output and vascular tone?

RATIONALES: (2) An acute addisonian crisis is a life-threatening event, caused by deficiencies of cortisol and aldosterone. Glucocorticoid insufficiency causes a decrease in cardiac output and vascular tone, leading to hypovolemia.

What would a nurse expect to find in a client with possible Cushing's syndrome?

The nurse is assessing a client with possible Cushing's syndrome. In a client with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse would expect to find: 1. Hypotension. 2. Thick, coarse skin. 3. deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area. 4. weight gain in arms and legs. Click card to see definition 👆.

What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome in women?

2. adrenal carcinoma. 3. a corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma. 4. an inborn error of metabolism. RATIONALES: (3) A corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome in women ages 20 to 40.

What are the symptoms of inadequate steroid therapy?

Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness are symptoms of inadequate dosing of steroid therapy; the physician should be notified if these symptoms occur. A Medic Alert bracelet allows health care providers to access the client's history of Addison's disease if the client is unable to communicate this information.

What is the potassium level of Addison's disease?

Serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. RATIONALES: (4) Addison's disease decreases the production of aldosterone, cortisol, and androgen, causing urinary sodium and fluid losses, an increased serum potassium level, and hypoglycemia.

Is Addison's disease a priority during an addisonian crisis?

The client becomes tachycardic and hypotensive and may develop shock and circulatory collapse. The client with Addison's disease is at risk for infection; however, reducing infection isn't a priority during an addisonian crisis.

What hormones are involved in Cushing's syndrome?

So that’s increased glucocorticoids like cortisol, increased mineralocorticoids like aldosterone, and increased androgen hormones.

What is the inner part of the adrenal gland?

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They have two parts – the outer portion is called the adrenal cortex, the inner portion is the adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex is responsible for secreting hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens.

What hormones are involved in fight or flight?

And androgens are sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine or adrenaline and norepinephrine, or noradrenaline. These hormones are responsible for the fight or flight response in the sympathetic nervous system.

What is the metabolic and endocrine course?

The Metabolic and Endocrine Course reviews the major organs and glands involved in secreting hormones in our bodies. Hormones are responsible for regulating nearly every basic function of our body, like our heart rate and processing blood sugar. This course breaks down what happens when each gland is overactive or underactive. We will also walk you through the sometimes confusing condition known as Diabetes Mellitus.

Why does increased volume put strain on the heart?

Remember from the hemodynamics lesson that increased volume puts strain on the heart because of the increased preload. Remember that cortisol is responsible for storing fats, so with excess cortisol, we see this abnormal distribution of fats.

Why is it important to write questions?

Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later. Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper.

What are the risks of Cushing's syndrome?

Patients are at risk for infection, brittle bones, and hyperglycemia, so we practice good infection control measures and monitor their sugars closely. So those are the basics of Cushing’s Syndrome. Make sure you check out all the resources attached to this lesson to learn more. Now, go out and be your best selves today.

What hormones are produced by the pituitary gland?

As the pituitary secretes more hormone (ACTH), it stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol (stress hormone). Cortisol controls blood sugar levels, how the body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins and reduces the immune system’s response to inflammation, therefore making the patient more susceptible to infection.

What is Cushing's disease?

Cushing’s disease is caused by a tumor or excess growth (hyperplasia) on the pituitary gland. Cushing’s syndrome is similar in its production of excess cortisol, but is usually a result of other disease processes. As the pituitary secretes more hormone (ACTH), it stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol (stress hormone).

What is the cause of weight gain in the lower arm?

Pathophysiology. Similar to Cushing’s syndrome which is much more common, Cushing’s disease is a condition where the pituitary gland secretes too much hormone (ACTH) causing an overproduction of cortisol (stress hormone). It causes weight gain around the trunk and waist with fat loss in the less and arms.

What causes a person to have difficulty breathing?

Nursing Interventions and Rationales. Shifts in fluid balance and electrolytes may cause arrhythmias and difficulty breathing. Overproduction of cortisol causes the body to retain sodium and water which can cause cardiac stress and hypokalemia. Excess stress hormone (cortisol) causes an increase in blood pressure.

What is the best way to monitor blood pressure?

Antihypertensives- monitor blood pressure closely as changes in cortisol levels may cause rapid changes in blood pressure. Diuretics- to treat fluid retention and prevent excess strain on the heart. Monitor vital signs for hypertension. Excess stress hormone (cortisol) causes an increase in blood pressure.

How to treat pituitary tumor?

Prepare patient for surgery to treat disease. Medication can help manage the symptoms, but there is currently no medication that can fully treat the disease. Surgery to remove the pituitary tumor (s) or adrenal glands is the most common treatment for the disease. Reduce risk of infections.

Why does my back hump?

Patients may also develop a hump on the upper back that is caused by abnormal fat deposits. This disease weakens the immune system and can cause mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

What is Cushing's syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome (Cushing’s disease, Hypercortisolism, Adrenal Hyperfunction) is a cluster of clinical abnormalities caused by excessive levels of adrenocortical hormones (particularly cortisol) or related corticosteroids and , to a lesser extent, androgens and aldosterone. What is Cushing’s Syndrome?

What are the complications of Cushing's syndrome?

Complications. Complications of Cushing’s syndrome include the following: Addisonian crisis. The patient with Cushing’s syndrome whose symptoms are treated by withdrawal of corticosteroids, by adrenalectomy, or by removal of a pituitary tumor is at risk for adrenal hypofunction and addisonian crisis.

What is a stimulation test?

In a stimulation test, administration of metyrapone, which blocks cortisol production by the adrenal glands, tests the ability of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to detect and correct low levels of plasma cortisol by increasing corticotropin production. Imaging studies.

When is the dexamethasone test done?

Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Dexamethasone (1 mg) is administered orally at 11pm, and a plasma cortisol level is obtained at 8am the next morning, and this usually confirms the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome.

What is the physical exam of a patient?

Physical exam. The skin is observed and assessed for trauma, infection, breakdown, bruising, and edema. Mental function. The nurse assesses the patient’s mental function including mood, responses to questions, awareness of environment, and level of depression.

What drugs can be used to treat hyperadrenalism?

Following the prescribed drug therapy could necessitate recovery. Adrenal enzyme inhibitors. Metyrapone, aminoglutethimide, mitotane, and ketoconazole may be used to reduce hyperadrenalism if the syndrome is caused by ectopic ACTH secretion by a tumor that cannot be eradicated. Cortisol therapy.

What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?

These signs and symptoms include weakness, hypotension, fever, and mental status changes. The remaining options are incorrect. A client with suspected Cushing's syndrome is scheduled for adrenal venography.

What are the signs of Cushing's syndrome?

Other signs include hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, peripheral edema, hypertension, increased appetite, and weight gain. Dizziness is not part of the clinical picture for this disorder. The nurse is instructing a client with Cushing's syndrome on follow-up care.

Why does Cushing's syndrome develop?

Cushing's syndrome develops because of an excess of cortisol, in this case from prolonged exogenous steroid administration. depression and a marked change in personality are common. it is important that the client be taught how to deal with the emotional changes of the disease.

What is the name of the disorder that causes hair growth to decline?

Hyperglycemia, which develops from glucocorticoid excess, is a manifestation of Cushing's syndrome. With successful treatment of the disorder, serum glucose levels decline. Hirsutism is common in Cushing's syndrome; therefore, with successful treatment, abnormal hair growth also declines.

Does corticotropin decrease cAMP production?

Corticotropin interacts with plasma membrane receptors to produce enzymatic actions that affect protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. It doesn't decrease cAMP production.

Can adrenocortical hormones cause hypovolemia?

Thus, a deficiency can cause hypovolemia. A deficiency of adrenocortical hormones (such as after adrenalectomy) does not cause the clinical manifestations noted in the remaining options. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

Does Cushing's syndrome cause amenorrhea?

Osteoporosis occurs in Cushing's syndrome; therefore, with successful treatment, bone mineralization increases. Amenorrhea develops in Cushing's syndrome. With successful treatment, the client experiences a return of menstrual flow, not a decline in it.

What is Cushing's disease?

Cushing’s Disease ( Cushing’s Syndrome; Hypercortisolism; Adrenal Hyperfunction) is a cluster of clinical abnormalities caused by excessive levels of adrenocortical hormones (particularly cortisol) or related corticosteroids and, to a lesser extent, androgens and aldosterone.

What is the cause of adrenocortical hyperplasia?

The disorder is caused by adrenocortical hyperplasia (overgrowth of adrenal cortex) secondary to pituitary overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), benign or malignant adrenal tumors that release excess glucocorticoids into the blood, prolonged or excessive administration of corticosteroids. The disease results in altered fat ...

What causes blood pressure to increase?

Cortisol and mineralocorticoid excess causes increase blood pressure as a result of sodium and water retention. Administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics promote sodium and water excretion. Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Spironolactone (Aldactone) may also be prescribed to prevent additional loss of potassium.

What causes sodium and water retention?

Monitor the client’s sodium and potassium levels. Excessive cortisol causes sodium and water retention, edema, and increased potassium excretion. Mineralocorticoids regulate sodium and potassium secretion, and excess levels cause marked sodium and water retention as well as marked hypokalemia.

Why is it important to limit fluid intake?

Limiting fluid intake is important in preventing circulatory overload. Encourage the client to have low sodium and high potassium diet. Too much sodium in the diet promotes fluid retention and weight gain. There should be an adequate potassium in the diet since the elevation of cortisol level causes hypokalemia.

How does Cushing's disease affect your body?

Changes in the physical appearance associated with Cushing’s disease can have a notable influence on client’s body image and emotional well-being. The focus of this care plan is promoting skin integrity, improving body image, decreasing the risk of injury and improving thought processes.

Who is Paul Martin?

Paul Martin is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing since 2007. Having worked as a medical-surgical nurse for five years, he handled different kinds of patients and learned how to provide individualized care to them. Now, his experiences working in the hospital is carried over to his writings to help aspiring students achieve their goals. He is currently working as a nursing instructor and have a particular interest in nursing management, emergency care, critical care, infection control, and public health. As a writer at Nurseslabs, his goal is to impart his clinical knowledge and skills to students and nurses helping them become the best version of themselves and ultimately make an impact in uplifting the nursing profession.