In a 29-year-old female client who is being successfully treated for Cushing’s syndrome, nurse Lyzette would expect a decline in:
- A- Serum glucose level.
- B- Hair loss.
- C- Bone mineralization.
- D- Menstrual flow.
The correct answer is A. Serum glucose level.
Here's why:
- Cushing's syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can elevate blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia.
- Successful treatment for Cushing's syndrome aims to reduce cortisol levels and bring them within the normal range.
- Therefore, when treatment is effective, a decrease in serum glucose levels is expected as the body regains proper glucose regulation.
Other Options:
Let's analyze the other options:
B. Hair loss:
While hair loss can be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome, it may not always resolve completely with treatment. Some patients may experience improvement, but hair regrowth can be slow or incomplete.
C. Bone mineralization:
Cushing's syndrome can lead to bone loss due to the negative impact of cortisol on bone metabolism. However, with effective treatment, bone mineral density can improve over time, although it may not fully return to normal.
D. Menstrual flow:
Menstrual irregularities are another potential symptom of Cushing's syndrome. While treatment can help regulate menstrual cycles in some patients, it may not necessarily lead to a decline in menstrual flow.
Therefore, while all the listed options can be associated with Cushing's syndrome, only a decrease in serum glucose level is a reliable indicator of successful treatment.
Remember, individual responses to treatment can vary, and it's important to monitor multiple parameters along with serum glucose levels to assess overall improvement in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.
