MEDizzy - A nurse’s assessment of a client diagnosed with Cushing’s

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Endocrine Management

A nurse’s assessment of a client diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome includes the following findings: 4+ pitting leg edema, blood glucose 140 mg/dL, irregular heart rate, and ecchymosis on the right arm. Which action should be taken by the nurse first?

ExplanationCushing’s syndrome causes overproduction of aldosterone, retention of sodium and water, and excretion of potassium. An irregular heart rate can occur from hypokalemia. The physician should be notified immediately to obtain serum laboratory studies and to treat the irregular heart rate and hypokalemia if present. The other actions are appropriate for the client with Cushing’s syndrome, but the first action addresses the major problem.