A nurse is caring for a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which assessment findings would the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Purple striae
Moon face
Bronze pigmentation
Buffalo hump
Poor wound healing
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Rationale:
A. Purple striae (stretch marks) are common in Cushing's syndrome due to skin thinning and the redistribution of fat.
B. A "moon face" is a classic sign of Cushing's syndrome, caused by fat deposition in the face.
C. Bronze pigmentation is associated with Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome.
D. A "buffalo hump," or fat accumulation on the upper back, is another characteristic feature of Cushing's syndrome.
E. Poor wound healing is expected in Cushing's syndrome due to the effects of prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, which impair immune function and tissue repair.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Epoetin alfa is used to stimulate the production of red blood cells, so an increase in hematocrit levels would indicate a therapeutic effect. This is particularly important in clients with chronic renal disease, who often suffer from anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys.
B. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific measure of inflammation and is not used to monitor the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.
C. The leukocyte count measures white blood cells and is not affected by or used to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D. The platelet count measures platelets in the blood and is not related to the therapeutic effects of epoetin alfa, which targets red blood cell production.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An increase in weight is typically a symptom of untreated or poorly managed hypothyroidism, not a therapeutic response.
B. A decrease in body temperature is associated with hypothyroidism, and an improvement in this condition should result in a normalization of temperature, not a decrease.
C. An increase in energy is a therapeutic response to liothyronine, as hypothyroidism often causes fatigue and low energy levels. Treatment with liothyronine should alleviate these symptoms and restore normal energy levels.
D. A decreased heart rate (bradycardia) is a symptom of hypothyroidism, and effective treatment should normalize the heart rate, not lower it further.