The nurse caring for a client with Cushing syndrome will prepare to administer which medications to this client?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Tapering doses of prescribed corticosteroid
2. Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
3. Fludrocortisone
4. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
5. Budesonide (Entocort-EC)

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: If the cause of Cushing syndrome is corticosteroid therapy, gradual discontinuation of this medication is a treatment option.
Rationale 2: Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has become a preferred drug for long-term therapy of Cushing syndrome because this drug rapidly blocks the synthesis of glucocorticoids, lowering serum levels.
Rationale 3: Fludrocortisone is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Rationale 4: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Rationale 5: Budesonide (Entocort-EC) is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Global Rationale: If the cause of Cushing syndrome is corticosteroid therapy, gradual discontinuation of this medication is a treatment option. Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has become a preferred drug for long-term therapy of Cushing syndrome because this drug rapidly blocks the synthesis of glucocorticoids, lowering serum levels. The other medications are not used in treatment of Cushing syndrome.