Question

The client is admitted with acromegaly. Which sign or symptom is associated with acromegaly? A. Rapid weight gain due to cortisol elevations B. Extreme height due to an increased growth hormone level C. A pendulous abdomen related to altered fat distribution D. A dowager hump secondary to osteoporosis

Short answer

A. Rapid weight gain due to cortisol elevations B. Extreme height due to an increased growth hormone level C. Pendulous abdomen related to altered fat distribution D. Dowager hump secondary to osteoporosis Answer: B. Extreme height due to an increased growth hormone level

Step-by-step solution

Understand Acromegaly Symptoms

To begin, let's first understand the symptoms of acromegaly. Some common symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, thickened and coarse facial features, enlarged tongue, joint pain, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

Evaluate Option A

Option A claims rapid weight gain due to cortisol elevations is a sign or symptom of acromegaly. This is not correct, as rapid weight gain related to cortisol elevations is typically associated with Cushing's syndrome, not acromegaly which occurs due to increased growth hormone.

Evaluate Option B

Option B suggests extreme height due to an increased growth hormone level is associated with acromegaly. This option is correct. When an excess of growth hormone is released during adulthood, it leads to acromegaly, which can result in increased height and other characteristic symptoms.

Evaluate Option C

Option C proposes that a pendulous abdomen related to altered fat distribution is a sign of acromegaly. This description does not match the symptoms of acromegaly, and it is not correct.

Evaluate Option D

Option D suggests a dowager hump secondary to osteoporosis as a symptom of acromegaly. While acromegaly can lead to bone and joint issues, a dowager hump is not specifically associated with acromegaly and is mainly related to osteoporosis.

Identify the Correct Answer

After evaluating all the options, we can conclude that the correct answer is: B. Extreme height due to an increased growth hormone level