The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. Which of the following client statements requires follow-up?
The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. Which of the following client statements requires follow-up?
A. “I will need to eat more potassium-rich foods.”
[19%]
B. “I will need more steroids during periods of stress.”
[62%]
C. "I will be at a higher risk for an infection.”
[6%]
D. “I should do weight-bearing exercises.”
[13%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Adult Health
Lesson
Endocrine
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Illness Management
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice B is correct. A client with Cushing’s disease has too many steroids and will have manifestations such as central obesity, weight gain, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and hypertension. The client will not need more steroids during periods of stress as this is necessary for a patient with Addison’s disease to prevent a crisis.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A client with Cushing’s disease will need to eat more potassium-rich foods because of the potassium elimination associated with the high aldosterone levels. Excessive cortisol levels may cause immunosuppression thus, enabling opportunistic bacterial infections. The client should be instructed to do weight-bearing exercises because Cushing’s may cause loss of bone density.
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4 Key Topics
Cushing's Disease
19.6 Adrenal Gland Disorders
Additional Info
High levels of cortisol and aldosterone characterize Cushing’s disease. The client will have clinical features such as truncal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and hyperlipidemia.
