The nurse is assessing a patient with Cushing syndrome. Which finding should the nurse report for immediate follow-up?
Serum potassium 2.5 mEq/L and blood pressure 150/90 mmHg
Serum phosphorus 3 mg/dL and hirsutism
Serum calcium 10 mg/dl, and reports of feelings of depression
Serum sodium 145 mEq/L and reports of muscle weakness
The Correct Answer is A
A. Serum potassium 2.5 mEq/L and blood pressure 150/90 mmHg - This combination of severe hypokalemia (low potassium) and elevated blood pressure is a concerning finding. It can lead to serious cardiac complications and requires immediate attention.
B. Serum phosphorus 3 mg/dL and hirsutism - While low serum phosphorus may be seen in Cushing syndrome, it is not an immediate concern. Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) is a characteristic feature of Cushing syndrome.
C. Serum calcium 10 mg/dL, and reports of feelings of depression - Although an elevated serum calcium level is not typical in Cushing syndrome, it is not an immediate concern. Reports of depression should be addressed but do not require immediate follow-up.
D. Serum sodium 145 mEq/L and reports of muscle weakness - These findings are not indicative of immediate danger. Elevated serum sodium and muscle weakness can occur in Cushing syndrome, but they do not warrant immediate attention compared to the potassium level and blood pressure in option A.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A: Hepatomegaly is a common manifestation of acromegaly, as excess growth hormone can cause organ enlargement.
B: Moon face is associated with Cushing's syndrome, not acromegaly. In acromegaly, facial changes are characterized by bony enlargement and coarsening of features, not the rounded face seen in Cushing's syndrome.
C: Coarse facial features are a classic sign of acromegaly due to the overgrowth of facial bones and soft tissue, leading to prominent brows, a larger nose, and a protruding jaw.
D: Enlarged distal extremities, such as hands and feet, are typical in acromegaly because of excessive growth hormone, which affects the growth plates in the bones and causes an increase in size and thickness.
E: This can occur due to optic nerve involvement, which is associated with pituitary tumors that can cause acromegaly. Vision changes, including loss of color discrimination, may be noted as a result of pressure on the optic chiasm.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Tachycardia - This is an increased heart rate, which can occur in response to low blood sugar levels.
B. Moist clammy skin - Sweating and clamminess are common symptoms of hypoglycemia.
C. Polydipsia - This is excessive thirst, which is not typically a manifestation of hypoglycemia. It is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
D. Blurred vision - This can occur when the eyes are not receiving enough glucose due to low blood sugar levels.
E. Polyuria - This is excessive urination, which is not typically a manifestation of hypoglycemia. It is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia.
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