A nurse is collecting data from a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: A fruity odor in the breath is a symptom of hyperglycemia, especially when it is severe and causes ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a condition where the body produces ketones, which are acidic substances that result from the breakdown of fat for energy when there is not enough insulin or glucose available. Ketones can make the breath smell fruity or like nail polish remover.

Choice B reason: A decreased appetite is not a symptom of hyperglycemia. On the contrary, an increased appetite or hunger is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as the body tries to compensate for the lack of glucose in the cells by stimulating the hunger center in the brain.

Choice C reason: An increased thirst is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as the body tries to flush out the excess glucose and ketones in the blood through urine. This leads to dehydration and thirst signals in the brain.

Choice D reason: A blurry vision at times is a symptom of hyperglycemia, as high blood glucose levels can cause swelling and damage to the lens of the eye, affecting its ability to focus light properly. This can lead to temporary or permanent vision problems.

Choice A: Both illnesses result in malabsorption of nutrients. This is incorrect because malabsorption of nutrients is more common in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, where most of the nutrient absorption occurs. Ulcerative colitis mainly affects the colon and rectum, which are responsible for water and electrolyte absorption.

Choice B: Both illnesses begin in the rectum. This is incorrect because ulcerative colitis usually begins in the rectum and spreads proximally to the colon, while Crohn’s disease can begin anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.

Choice C: Both illnesses manifest fistula formation. This is incorrect because fistula formation is more common in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colitis. Fistulas are abnormal connections between different parts of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. They are caused by inflammation, ulceration, and infection that penetrate through the bowel wall.

Choice D: Both illnesses are inflammatory in nature. This is correct because both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are chronic conditions that cause inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it may involve genetic, immune, environmental, and microbial factors.