A nurse in the emergency department is caring for female client. Exhibits For each of the client's findings, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with Cushing syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Glucose level: Elevated glucose is a hallmark of Diabetes Mellitus. In Cushing syndrome, excess cortisol causes insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. In Hyperthyroidism, increased metabolism leads to rapid glucose absorption and glucose intolerance. Weight change: The client experienced weight loss. This is consistent with Hyperthyroidism (high metabolism burns calories faster than intake) and Diabetes (breakdown of fats/proteins due to lack of insulin). Cushing syndrome is characterized by weight gain (truncal obesity/moon face). Emotional feelings: Both Cushing syndrome (excess cortisol) and Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) are well-known for causing severe mood lability, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. While unstable blood sugar in diabetes can affect mood, it is not a primary psychiatric characteristic of the disease pathology in the same way. Blood pressure: Hypertension is found in all three. Cushing's causes fluid/sodium retention. Hyperthyroidism increases cardiac workload. Diabetes causes vascular damage and renal complications leading to hypertension.