Which manifestation is expected in a client with Cushing's syndrome?

Which manifestation is expected in a client with Cushing's syndrome?

• A. Dizziness
• B. Weight loss
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Truncal obesity

Answer: (D)

Excess cortisol in Cushing’s syndrome shifts fat storage to the trunk and face, producing truncal obesity. This central redistribution of fat is a hallmark of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure and goes hand in hand with other signs like moon face and a dorsocervical fat pad. Cortisol also raises blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and causing insulin resistance, so hyperglycemia is common rather than hypoglycemia. Dizziness isn’t a typical feature, and weight loss would contradict the usual weight gain from cortisol excess. So truncal obesity best fits the expected picture of Cushing’s syndrome.

Excess cortisol in Cushing’s syndrome shifts fat storage to the trunk and face, producing truncal obesity. This central redistribution of fat is a hallmark of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure and goes hand in hand with other signs like moon face and a dorsocervical fat pad. Cortisol also raises blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and causing insulin resistance, so hyperglycemia is common rather than hypoglycemia. Dizziness isn’t a typical feature, and weight loss would contradict the usual weight gain from cortisol excess. So truncal obesity best fits the expected picture of Cushing’s syndrome.