The nurse assesses a patient who has a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Which set of findings should the nurse follow up immediately?

Question

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

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Hypokalemia and hypertension occur with Cushing syndrome as potassium is lost and sodium is retained. Patients with hypokalemia are at risk for life-threatening dysrhythmias, and the primary health care provider should be contacted with these findings.
Rationale 2: The serum sodium value is within normal limits; the report of muscle weakness is noteworthy but is not a priority finding to report to the health care provider.
Rationale 3: The serum calcium value is within normal limits; the report of depression is noteworthy but is not a priority finding to report to the health care provider.
Rationale 4: The serum phosphorus value is within normal limits; the report of hirsutism is noteworthy but is not a priority finding to report to the health care provider.