Question

A client with Cushing's disease often complains of which of the following? A. Anorexia B. Difficulty swallowing C. Hirsutism D. Hot flashes

Short answer

Answer: C. Hirsutism

Step-by-step solution

Understand Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can be due to various reasons like prolonged use of corticosteroid medications or a tumor on the pituitary gland. Common signs and symptoms of Cushing's disease include weight gain, fatty deposits, particularly around the abdomen and face, thinning skin, muscle weakness, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women.

Evaluate the options

Now, keeping the symptoms of Cushing's disease in mind, let's evaluate each of the given options: A. Anorexia: This is a condition characterized by low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. It is not directly related to Cushing's disease. B. Difficulty swallowing: This symptom, also known as dysphagia, is not typically seen in patients with Cushing's disease. C. Hirsutism: This is the excessive hair growth in women on face, chest, and back. As mentioned earlier in Step 1, this is a common symptom of Cushing's disease. D. Hot flashes: These are sudden feelings of warmth, usually felt over the face, neck, and chest. While they are a common symptom of menopause, they are not associated with Cushing's disease.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the evaluation of each option and keeping the symptoms of Cushing's disease in mind, we can conclude that the correct answer is: C. Hirsutism