Cushing's syndrome
A condition resulting from the hypersecretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex, can result from prolonged administration of corticosteroids.
Females
Who is cushings syndrome most common in?
Increased levels of cortisol and aldosterone
What is increased in Cushing's syndrome?
1. central-type obesity
2. fatty "buffalo hump" neck
3. skin is thing, fragile and easily traumatized
4. ecchymosis and striae
5. moon faced appearance
6. gynecomastia (men who have large breasts)
7. Hirsutism (women who have hair growing in unwanted plac
What are the signs and symptoms of cushing's syndrome? (8)
1. muscular weakness
2. signs of infection 3. sings of osteoporosis
3. hypertension (increased sodium)
4. hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
5. hyperglycemia and glycosuria
6. elevated white blood cells
7. sodium and water retention
8. thinning extremities
What would you look for in Cushing's syndrome? (8)
surgical removal by transsphenodal hyophysectomy
If the cause of Cushing's is pituitary tumor, what would you do?
12-48 hours after surgery
When do symptoms of adrenal insufficiency begin?
hydrocotisone
What do you use for temporary replacement?
reduce or taper corticosteroids to the minimum dosage
What do you do with corticosteroids to treat the disease?
1. Assess VS
2. Monitor daily weights
3. Monitor for edema
4. limit water intake to prevent excessive fluid overload
5. Compression stockings
6. Monitor BUN, Creatinine, RBC, WBC
7. Limit sodium
What is the nursing management for Cushing's?
Diuretics ( aldactone- potassium sparring)
Alosterone blocking agent
What medication is used to treat Cushing's?
Increased potassium
decreased sodium
What type of diet would you suggest for Cushing's syndrome?