Question

The client is admitted with Cushing's disease. The nurse is aware that clients with an adrenal disorder such as Cushing's disease will most likely exhibit signs of: A. Hypercalcemia B. Hyperkalemia C. Hypernatremia D. Hypermagnesemia

Short answer

Answer: Hypernatremia (Increased blood sodium levels).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can be caused by excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands or by the prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. The high cortisol levels can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms.

Analyzing the options

We will analyze each of the given options and what they represent: A. Hypercalcemia: Increased blood calcium levels. B. Hyperkalemia: Increased blood potassium levels. C. Hypernatremia: Increased blood sodium levels. D. Hypermagnesemia: Increased blood magnesium levels.

Determine the most related symptom

Cushing's disease, being closely related to cortisol exposure, mostly impacts electrolyte levels such as sodium and potassium. Water retention caused by high cortisol levels results in dilution of extracellular potassium levels and increased sodium levels. Therefore, the most common electrolyte imbalance linked with Cushing's disease is: C. Hypernatremia: Increased blood sodium levels.