Which of the following is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome?

Rationale: A. Weight gain around the abdomen: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels, leading to fat redistribution. This results in central obesity, moon face, and a dorsocervical fat pad, making abdominal weight gain a common symptom. B. Increased pigmentation: Increased skin pigmentation is more characteristic of Addison’s disease due to elevated ACTH levels stimulating melanocyte activity. It is not typically seen in clients with Cushing’s syndrome. C. Hypotension: Clients with Cushing’s syndrome usually experience hypertension because of fluid retention and increased vascular sensitivity to catecholamines. Hypotension is more consistent with adrenal insufficiency rather than cortisol excess. D. Weight loss: Cortisol excess promotes fat deposition and protein catabolism, leading to weight gain and muscle wasting. Weight loss is not expected in Cushing’s syndrome and is more associated with Addison’s disease or uncontrolled diabetes.