When admitting a patient who has just recently fallen and broken his hip,the nurse notes hypertension,muscle wasting,and a large buffalo hump.The nurse knows that these findings are consistent with the patient having which following diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of hypertension, muscle wasting, and a large buffalo hump are indicative of Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by excess cortisol secretion. Patients with Cushing's syndrome are at an increased risk for fractures due to decreased bone density, which may explain the patient's broken hip. Addison's disease is characterized by low cortisol levels and would not be consistent with these symptoms. SIADH is a disorder of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and would not cause these particular symptoms. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excessive catecholamine secretion, leading to symptoms such as headache, palpitations, and sweating, but would not be consistent with these particular symptoms.

When Admitting a Patient Who Has Just Recently Fallen and Broken