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

Choice A: “I will feel shaky.” This is a correct statement, as shakiness is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood glucose level. Hypoglycemia can cause the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline, which can cause tremors, nervousness, and anxiety.

Choice B: “My skin will be warm and moist.” This is an incorrect statement, as warm and moist skin is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Warm and moist skin can be a sign of hyperglycemia, which is a high blood glucose level. Hyperglycemia can cause dehydration, which can lead to sweating and flushing.

Choice C: “I will be more thirsty than usual.” This is an incorrect statement, as thirst is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Thirst can be a sign of hyperglycemia, which can cause dehydration, as the body tries to flush out excess glucose through urine.

Choice D: “My appetite will be decreased.” This is an incorrect statement, as decreased appetite is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Decreased appetite can be a sign of other conditions, such as nausea, infection, or depression. Hypoglycemia can cause increased hunger, as the body needs more glucose to function properly.

Choice A: Weigh the client weekly. This is incorrect because the client receiving PN should be weighed daily, not weekly, to monitor fluid balance and nutritional status. The nurse should also measure the client’s intake and output, blood glucose, electrolytes, and other laboratory values daily.

Choice B: Reduce the rate of the solution gradually to discontinue. This is correct because the nurse should taper off the PN solution slowly to prevent rebound hypoglycemia, which can occur when the high concentration of glucose in the PN solution is abruptly stopped. The nurse should follow the provider’s orders or the facility’s protocol for reducing and discontinuing PN.

Choice C: Remove solution from refrigerator 2 hr before infusion. This is incorrect because the nurse should remove the PN solution from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before infusion, not 2 hr, to allow it to reach room temperature. Infusing a cold solution can cause discomfort, vasoconstriction, and impaired absorption of nutrients.

Choice D: Shake the solution before hanging if there is a layer of fat present on the top. This is incorrect because the nurse should not shake the PN solution at all, as this can cause fat emulsion droplets to coalesce and form large particles that can clog the filter or cause embolism. The nurse should gently invert or roll the PN solution container to mix it if there is any separation of components.