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

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is a condition caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol in the body, which is produced by the adrenal glands. This disease affects the balance of electrolytes in the body.

Evaluating the options

Let's look at each of the options given and see how they relate to Cushing's disease: A. Hypercalcemia - This refers to high levels of calcium in the blood. While Cushing's disease might cause some changes in calcium levels, it is not the primary disruption associated with the condition. B. Hyperkalemia - This refers to high levels of potassium in the blood. However, in Cushing's disease, cortisol tends to increase sodium levels while decreasing potassium levels, leading to the opposite condition called hypokalemia. C. Hypernatremia - This refers to high levels of sodium in the blood. In Cushing's disease, excess cortisol causes the body to retain more sodium, which can lead to hypernatremia. D. Hypermagnesemia - This refers to high levels of magnesium in the blood. Cushing's disease does not primarily affect magnesium levels.

Selecting the correct answer

Based on our evaluation above, the most likely sign of an adrenal disorder like Cushing's disease is: C. Hypernatremia (high levels of sodium) Thus, the correct answer is C.