What is the diagnosis for a patient presenting with moon face, hirsutism, hypertension, and weakness?

Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Certification Test. Study with interactive tools and practice questions complete with hints and explanations. Start your journey towards becoming a specialist NP today!

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, which can stem from various sources, including an adrenal gland tumor, pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease), or ectopic production from tumors. The presentation of moon facies, hirsutism, hypertension, and weakness aligns perfectly with the clinical features associated with Cushing's.

Moon facies refers to a rounded, puffy face that often results from fat redistribution due to prolonged elevated cortisol levels. Hirsutism, or excess hair growth, occurs because cortisol disrupts normal hormonal balances, leading to increased androgen levels. Hypertension is a common consequence of Cushing's syndrome as cortisol promotes fluid retention and has effects on blood vessel tone, further exacerbating high blood pressure. Lastly, muscle weakness can occur as muscle tissue breaks down due to the catabolic effects of cortisol over time.

The other choices represent conditions that do not match the combination of symptoms like Cushing's syndrome does. Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, leading to fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure, inconsistent with this presentation. Hyperaldosteronism primarily causes hypertension and hypokalemia but does not explain hirsutism or the characteristic facial changes seen here.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy