Nurse Ronn is assessing a client with possible Cushing’s syndrome. In a client with Cushing’s syndrome.. Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area

Nurse Ronn is assessing a client with possible Cushing’s syndrome.

In a client with Cushing’s syndrome, the nurse would expect to find:

• a. Hypotension.
• b. Thick, coarse skin.
• c. Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area.
• d. Weight gain in arms and legs.

Answer C.

Because of changes in fat distribution, adipose tissue accumulates in the trunk, face (moonface), and dorsocervical areas (buffalo hump). Hypertension is caused by fluid retention. Skin becomes thin and bruises easily because of a loss of collagen. Muscle wasting causes muscle atrophy and thin extremities.

The correct answer is c. Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area.

Cushing's syndrome is a condition that results from excessive exposure of the body's tissues to cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps regulate a variety of bodily functions, including metabolism, inflammation, and immune response. When cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area:

This is known as a "buffalo hump" and is a classic sign of Cushing's syndrome. The excess fat is also deposited around the face, creating a "moon face."

Thinning of the skin:

The skin becomes thinner and more fragile, and it may bruise easily. Striae (stretch marks) may also develop, particularly in areas of the body where fat is deposited.

Weakness:

 Muscle weakness is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome. This is because cortisol can cause muscle wasting, which is the loss of muscle tissue.

Fatigue:

People with Cushing's syndrome often experience fatigue and lack of energy. This is because cortisol can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to concentrate.

Other symptoms:

Other symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can include high blood pressure, bone loss, and changes in mood and behavior.

The other answer choices are not typical findings in Cushing's syndrome:

a. Hypotension:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a more common finding in Cushing's syndrome. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not a typical symptom.

b. Thick, coarse skin:

Thickening of the skin is not a typical finding in Cushing's syndrome. Thinning of the skin is more common.

d. Weight gain in arms and legs:

Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome, but it typically occurs in the trunk and face, not the arms and legs.

Therefore, the nurse would expect to find deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area in a client with Cushing's syndrome.