Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Which of the following would be expected in a patient with Cushing's syndrome?

1. Decreased glucose and increased potassium

2. Increased sodium and glucose

3. Decreased sodium and glucose

4. Increased potassium and decreased sodium

The correct answer is: Increased sodium and glucose

In a patient with Cushing's syndrome, one would expect to see increased sodium and glucose levels due to the overproduction of cortisol. Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol in the body, which typically leads to several metabolic changes. Cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, cortisol has a mineralocorticoid-like effect, which promotes sodium retention in the kidneys. This retention can lead to hypertension and increased fluid volume in the patient, further elevating sodium levels. The alterations in electrolyte balance and glucose metabolism often manifest as hyperglycemia and hypernatremia in Cushing's syndrome, making the choice of increased sodium and glucose the expected findings in such patients.