Which safety measure is most important for the nurse to institute for a patient who has Cushing Syndrome?

A. Using a lift sheet is helpful for preventing injury and ensuring safe handling of the patient, but it is not the most critical safety measure for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome.
B. Assisting the patient to change positions slowly is the most important safety measure for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. Patients with Cushing’s syndrome often have osteoporosis and a risk of fractures due to prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, which can lead to weakened bones. Orthostatic hypotension may also occur, so changing positions slowly can prevent falls.
C. Padding the siderails of the bed is typically done for patients at risk of seizures or those with neurological issues, not as a primary concern for patients with Cushing’s syndrome.
D. While keeping suction equipment at the bedside is important for patients at risk of aspiration or respiratory issues, it is not the most critical measure for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. The most significant concern is the risk of falls and fractures due to bone weakening and potential hypotension.

A. Clubbing of the fingernails is typically a sign of chronic hypoxia and is seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and other respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. It is a long-term issue and does not indicate an immediate emergency.
B. Tracheal deviation is a medical emergency and typically indicates tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space, shifting the trachea away from the affected side. This can compress the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory and circulatory collapse, requiring immediate action.
C. Contraction of the diaphragm may refer to normal breathing mechanics and does not indicate an immediate emergency unless it is associated with respiratory distress or failure.
D. Rhonchi are abnormal lung sounds often associated with mucus in the airways and can be heard in conditions like bronchitis or COPD. Although they may require attention, they do not represent an immediate emergency compared to tracheal deviation.