During an assessment, the nurse determines that a patient with Cushing syndrome requires interventions to support an alteration in carbohydrate metabolism. What manifestations did the patient demonstrate for the nurse to determine this need?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. striae over the abdomen
2. fat pads on the upper back
3. urine output in one hour 250 mL
4. 2 L of water ingested in 90 minutes
5. fasting blood glucose level 185 mg/dL

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5
Evidence of altered carbohydrate metabolism includes polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia. The average urine output in 1 hour is 30 to 50 mL; a urine output of 250 mL in 1 hour would be polyuria. An oral intake of 2 L of water in 90 minutes would indicate polydipsia, or extreme thirst. Blood glucose greater than 110 mg/dL is evidence of hyperglycemia. Striae are caused by increased protein breakdown with loss of collagen and connective tissues in skin and subcutaneous tissues. Fat pads on the upper back are caused by altered fat metabolism with increased breakdown of fats to fatty acids and redistribution of body fat.