A female client with Cushing’s syndrome is admitted to the medical-surgical unit.
During the admission assessment, nurse Tyzz notes that the client is agitated and irritable, has poor memory, reports loss of appetite, and appears disheveled.
These findings are consistent with which problem?
- a- Depression.
- b- Neuropathy.
- c- Hypoglycemia.
- d- Hyperthyroidism.
Answer A.
Agitation, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, and neglect of one’s appearance may signal depression, which is common in clients with Cushing’s syndrome.
Neuropathy affects clients with diabetes mellitus — not Cushing’s syndrome.
Although hypoglycemia can cause irritability, it also produces increased appetite, rather than loss of appetite.
Although hypoglycemia can cause irritability, it also produces increased appetite, rather than loss of appetite.
The answer is (a) Depression.
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Weight gain and obesity.
- Skin changes, such as purple stretch marks and a "buffalo hump" on the back of the neck.
- Weakness and muscle wasting.
- High blood pressure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Diabetes.
- Psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
The client's symptoms of agitation, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, and disheveled appearance are consistent with depression, which is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
The other answer choices are incorrect because:
- (b) Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, and it is not a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
- (c) Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar level is too low, and it is not a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
- (d) Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, and it is not a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
Therefore, the most likely problem that is consistent with the client's symptoms is depression.
