A client with Cushing's syndrome is being counseled on follow-up care. Which statement indicates a need for further instruction?

A client with Cushing's syndrome is being counseled on follow-up care. Which statement indicates a need for further instruction?

• A. I should avoid contact sports.
• B. I should check my ankles for swelling.
• C. I need to avoid foods high in potassium.
• D. I need to check my blood glucose regularly.

Answer: (C)

Excess cortisol acts like a mineralocorticoid in the kidneys, promoting sodium retention and potassium loss. This makes potassium balance a central part of follow-up care in Cushing’s syndrome. Because hypokalemia is a common risk, the plan should focus on monitoring potassium and ensuring adequate intake, rather than avoiding foods that contain potassium. So saying to avoid foods high in potassium is not appropriate and would worsen the potassium deficit; it indicates a need for correction in understanding potassium management. The other follow-up actions fit with expected needs: checking ankles for swelling helps monitor edema from fluid retention, and checking blood glucose regularly addresses cortisol-related hyperglycemia.

Excess cortisol acts like a mineralocorticoid in the kidneys, promoting sodium retention and potassium loss. This makes potassium balance a central part of follow-up care in Cushing’s syndrome. Because hypokalemia is a common risk, the plan should focus on monitoring potassium and ensuring adequate intake, rather than avoiding foods that contain potassium. So saying to avoid foods high in potassium is not appropriate and would worsen the potassium deficit; it indicates a need for correction in understanding potassium management.

The other follow-up actions fit with expected needs: checking ankles for swelling helps monitor edema from fluid retention, and checking blood glucose regularly addresses cortisol-related hyperglycemia.