Title: A nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome and notes t Post by: colleen on Jan 22, 2013 A nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome and notes the following findings. Which set of findings should the nurse follow-up immediately?
1. serum potassium 2.5 and blood pressure 150/90 2. serum sodium 145 mEq/L and reports of muscle weakness 3. serum calcium 11 mg/dL and reports of feelings of depression 4. serum phosphorus 3 mg/dL and hirsutism Title: Re: A nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and notes t Post by: robertling on Jan 23, 2013 1 -- Hypokalemia and hypertension occur with Cushing’s syndrome as potassium is lost and sodium is retained. Patients with hypokalemia are at risk for life-threatening dysrhythmias and the primarily healthcare provider should be contacted with these findings. The serum sodium, calcium, and phosphorus values are within normal limits and the reports of muscle weakness, depression, and hirsutism are noteworthy, but are not the priority findings to report to the healthcare provider.
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