A nurse is collecting data from a client who has Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Jaundice
Muscle rigidity
Weight loss
Easily bruised
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is typically associated with liver dysfunction or conditions affecting the breakdown of red blood cells, not directly linked to Cushing's syndrome. While some liver abnormalities can be seen in Cushing's syndrome due to metabolic changes, jaundice is not a typical manifestation of this condition.
Choice B Reason:
Muscle rigidity is more commonly associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease, dystonia, or certain muscle disorders. In Cushing's syndrome, muscle weakness due to protein breakdown and muscle wasting is a more expected finding rather than muscle rigidity.
Choice C Reason:
Weight loss is incorrect. Weight gain, particularly in the central part of the body (trunk) and face (creating a "moon face"), is a more common characteristic of Cushing's syndrome. The excess cortisol often leads to increased fat deposits, especially in these areas, rather than weight loss.
Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, either due to the body producing too much cortisol or from long-term use of corticosteroid medications. Considering this condition, the nurse should expect the following finding:
Choice D Reason:
Easily bruised is correct. Excess cortisol can lead to the thinning of the skin and weakening of blood vessels, making individuals with Cushing's syndrome prone to easy bruising. Other common findings associated with Cushing's syndrome include weight gain (especially in the trunk and face), muscle weakness, high blood pressure, fatigue, and changes in skin such as thinning and purple stretch marks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client had a hemorrhoidectomy 1 year ago is appropriate. While hemorrhoids involve bleeding in the anal area, the blood from hemorrhoids is usually visibly present and not considered "occult" or hidden. A history of hemorrhoidectomy is less likely to cause a false-positive occult blood test result as the bleeding is typically visible.
Choice B Reason:
The client takes ibuprofen for headaches is correct. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to small amounts of bleeding. This bleeding, although not typically visible, can be detected by occult blood tests, resulting in a false-positive result
Choice C Reason:
The client has a history of breast cancer is incorrect. A history of breast cancer, in itself, is not directly related to gastrointestinal bleeding that would lead to a false-positive result in an occult blood test. Occult blood screening tests primarily detect bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice D Reason:
The client consumed citrus juice 3 days before the test is incorrect. Consumption of citrus juice is not known to cause false-positive results in occult blood screening tests. These tests are designed to detect blood specifically from the gastrointestinal tract and aren't affected by citrus juice consumption.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Keeping both arms below the level of the client's heart doesn't specifically address the prevention of lymphedema and might not be necessary for this purpose.
Choice B Reason:
Limiting range-of-motion exercises with the affected arm could potentially contribute to stiffness and reduced function, but appropriate and gradual range-of-motion exercises are generally recommended to prevent lymphedema.
Choice C Reason:
Using the client's left arm to obtain blood samples is correct. Lymphedema can occur due to the disruption of lymphatic vessels during surgery, leading to the accumulation of lymph fluid. To reduce the risk of lymphedema, medical procedures or blood draws should typically avoid using the affected arm. In this case, after a right radical mastectomy, using the left arm for blood samples can help protect the compromised lymphatic system in the right arm.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining blood pressure readings using the client's right arm is not directly related to preventing lymphedema. However, excessive pressure or trauma to the affected arm should generally be avoided to reduce the risk of lymphedema.
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