A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has Cushing's disease. The nurse should expect the client to have an increase in which of the following laboratory values?

Rationale: A. Serum calcium level: Cushing’s disease does not typically cause elevated calcium levels. Calcium levels are usually normal unless there is an underlying bone disorder or concurrent condition affecting calcium metabolism. B. Lymphocyte count: Cortisol excess in Cushing’s disease suppresses the immune system, leading to lymphopenia rather than an increased lymphocyte count. A decreased lymphocyte count is more consistent with the disease process. C. Serum glucose level: Elevated cortisol levels increase gluconeogenesis and decrease glucose uptake by cells, resulting in hyperglycemia. Clients with Cushing’s disease often exhibit elevated blood glucose as a direct effect of excess cortisol. D. Serum potassium level: Cortisol has mineralocorticoid activity, promoting potassium excretion by the kidneys. As a result, clients with Cushing’s disease commonly have hypokalemia rather than increased serum potassium levels.