A client complaining of weight gain and acne undergoes laboratory testing, which reveals elevated cortisol levels and hyperglycemia. The client has no prior medical history, and does not take any medications. After further testing and imaging to determine the cause of the elevated cortisol levels, the client is diagnosed with Cushing disease caused by a pituitary adenoma. Which of the following statements should the nurse include when teaching the client about this diagnosis?

It is important that you taper off of the corticosteroids you are taking which have caused this disorder.

You will need to have your adrenal glands removed to reverse your symptoms.

You will need to begin taking hydrocortisone, and increase your dose during times of stress.

You will receive glucose checks and sliding-scale insulin until your hormone levels are corrected.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. It is important that you taper off of the corticosteroids you are taking which have caused this disorder: This statement is not applicable because the client has a pituitary adenoma causing Cushing disease, not iatrogenic Cushing syndrome from corticosteroid use.
B. You will need to have your adrenal glands removed to reverse your symptoms: For Cushing disease caused by a pituitary adenoma, treatment typically involves surgical removal of the pituitary tumor, not the adrenal glands.
C. You will need to begin taking hydrocortisone, and increase your dose during times of stress: This is incorrect as hydrocortisone replacement is used for Addison's disease, not for managing Cushing disease.
D. You will receive glucose checks and sliding-scale insulin until your hormone levels are corrected: While glucose monitoring might be necessary due to hyperglycemia, the primary treatment for Cushing disease involves addressing the source of excess cortisol, which is the pituitary adenoma.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Levothyroxine replacement test: This test is used to assess the thyroid's response to synthetic thyroid hormone and is not used to differentiate types of hyperthyroidism.
B. Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test: This test measures the thyroid gland's ability to absorb iodine, which helps differentiate Graves' disease (characterized by increased uptake) from other forms of hyperthyroidism, such as thyroiditis (which may show decreased uptake).
C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test: This test is used to evaluate adrenal function and is not relevant for diagnosing or differentiating forms of hyperthyroidism.
D. Subtotal thyroidectomy: This is a surgical procedure rather than a diagnostic test and would not be used to differentiate between types of hyperthyroidism.

A. Limit your intake of high sodium foods for several days after the procedure to prevent hypernatremia. B. Limit fluid intake to 1,500 mL per day for the next five days after the surgery to prevent fluid retention. C. You will need to increase your dose of corticosteroids due to the stress of surgery. D. Avoid taking hydrocortisone after the procedure due to the risk of surgical-site infection.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Limit your intake of high sodium foods for several days after the procedure to prevent hypernatremia: This is not typically recommended for clients with Addison's disease. In fact, they often need more sodium.
B. Limit fluid intake to 1,500 mL per day for the next five days after the surgery to prevent fluid retention: This is not appropriate for clients with Addison's disease. They generally need to maintain adequate hydration.
C. You will need to increase your dose of corticosteroids due to the stress of surgery: Stress, including surgery, increases the body’s need for corticosteroids in clients with Addison's disease. Therefore, increasing the dose is crucial to prevent adrenal crisis.
D. Avoid taking hydrocortisone after the procedure due to the risk of surgical-site infection: Hydrocortisone should not be avoided. It is essential for managing Addison's disease and preventing an adrenal crisis, especially under stress.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is experiencing tachycardia and tremors. Lab values show elevated Free T4 and low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Which diagnostic study will help the practitioner differentiate Graves' disease from other forms of hyperthyroidism?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who takes daily hormone replacement therapy for Addison's disease is scheduled for an outpatient surgical procedure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include when providing discharge education to the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following manifestations would lead the nurse to suspect that the procedure caused damage to the client's parathyroid glands?

The patient is returning to the unit after undergoing a bilateral adrenalectomy. Which clinical manifestation would indicate that the client is experiencing an Addisonian crisis?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has a new diagnosis of Addison's disease. The nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the client makes which of the following statements?

A nurse is preparing to administer total parental nutrition (TPN) 1800 mL to infuse over 24 hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A nurse is caring for a female client who has a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. The client is embarrassed that she is experiencing hirsutism and severe acne. The nurse understands that these manifestations are caused by which of the following?

A client who has hypothyroidism will be undergoing surgery for a total knee replacement. When planning care for this client, the nurse understands which of the following to be true for people who have hypothyroidism?

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed Cushing syndrome due to long-term corticosteroid therapy to treat multiple sclerosis. The nurse understands that Cushing syndrome puts the client at increased risk for which complication?

At the beginning of the shift, a nurse receives report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse place priority on assessing first?