A patient is admitted for treatment of Cushing's syndrome. The nurse correlates this disease process to which alteration in endocrine function?
Decreased cortisol level.
Elevated glucocorticoid level.
Decreased aldosterone secretion.
Elevated insulin secretion.
The Correct Answer is B
Cushing's syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive production or prolonged exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol. This can occur due to various reasons, such as the use of corticosteroid medications or overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Elevated glucocorticoid levels result in a variety of clinical manifestations associated with Cushing's syndrome, including weight gain, central obesity, muscle wasting, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, and impaired glucose metabolism.
It's important to note that Cushing's syndrome can have different underlying causes, such as adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors, or ectopic ACTH production. Regardless of the cause, the common feature in Cushing's syndrome is the excessive glucocorticoid levels, which contribute to the signs and symptoms of the condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. To achieve this, the healthcare provider may prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies that target specific inflammatory pathways.
These medications can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
In addition to medication, nutritional therapy may also be recommended to help manage Crohn's Disease. However, dietary restrictions to reduce calorie and fat intake to lose weight or restrict foods containing gluten to control symptoms are not specific treatments for Crohn's Disease.
Keeping the child in isolation to prevent the spread of the infection is not relevant to Crohn's Disease, as it is not contagious.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Acute adrenal insufficiency, also known as adrenal crisis, is characterized by low levels of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. One of the primary manifestations of adrenal insufficiency is electrolyte imbalance, specifically hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium). Inadequate cortisol levels can lead to impaired sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in sodium loss and low serum sodium levels.
When the patient receives appropriate therapies for acute adrenal insufficiency, such as administration of glucocorticoids (e.g., hydrocortisone), the cortisol levels begin to normalize. As a result, the impaired sodium reabsorption improves, leading to an increase in serum sodium levels.
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