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    Ati nurs 531 med surg proctored exam
    Select All That Apply

    A nurse assesses a patient with Cushing's disease. Which assessment findings would the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Weight loss is not typical in Cushing's disease. Patients usually experience weight gain, particularly central obesity, due to excess cortisol levels that promote fat deposition. Choice B reason: Petechiae are common in Cushing's disease due to capillary fragility and impaired collagen synthesis caused by elevated cortisol. This leads to easy bruising and small hemorrhages under the skin. Choice C reason: Moon face, or facial rounding, is a hallmark sign of Cushing's disease. It results from fat redistribution and is often accompanied by a ruddy complexion and facial puffiness. Choice D reason: Muscle atrophy occurs due to protein catabolism driven by excess cortisol. Patients may report weakness, especially in the proximal muscles such as thighs and shoulders. Choice E reason: Hypotension is not expected in Cushing's disease. Cortisol increases vascular sensitivity to catecholamines, often leading to hypertension rather than low blood pressure.

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