The practical nurse (PN) overhears a female client with Cushing's syndrome tell her family in a very loud and angry voice to leave her room and not to come back. The response by the PN is based on recognizing which common manifestation of the syndrome?

A. Memory loss: Cushing’s syndrome primarily affects mood and physical appearance due to excess cortisol levels but does not commonly cause memory loss. Cognitive changes can occur but are less prominent than emotional and behavioral disturbances. B. Hearing loss: There is no direct link between Cushing’s syndrome and auditory function. Hearing loss is unrelated to cortisol imbalance and would not explain the client’s sudden irritability or emotional outburst. C. Impaired cognition: While some clients may experience mild concentration difficulties, the primary neuropsychiatric effect of Cushing’s syndrome involves emotional instability rather than significant cognitive impairment. D. Mood alterations: Excess cortisol levels disrupt neurotransmitter balance, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression. The client’s angry outburst toward family reflects these mood alterations, a well-known psychological manifestation of Cushing’s syndrome.