A middle-aged female patient is found to have a decrease in her cortisol level. The nurse realizes that this finding is consistent with what health problem?
1. Addison disease
2. hyperthyroidism
3. Cushing syndrome
4. nothing
Correct Answer: 1
A cortisol level is a serum test done to measure the amount of total cortisol in the serum and evaluate adrenal cortex function. Decreased levels are consistent with Addison disease and hypothyroidism. Cushing syndrome would reveal an elevated cortisol level. Decreased levels are not normal and do not indicate hyperthyroidism.
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