NCLEX Addison vs Cushing cheat sheet
A cheat sheet comparing Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome for NCLEX exam preparation, covering symptoms, lab values, nursing interventions, and key differences.
Quiz(48 questions)
1. What is the primary cause of Cushing's Syndrome?
Terms in this Study Set(48)
Addison's Disease Overview(16)
Addison's Disease primary cause?
Autoimmune destruction of adrenal glands.
Key hormone deficiencies in Addison's?
Cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies.
Common symptoms of Addison's Disease?
Fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation.
True or False: Addison's can lead to hyperglycemia.
False. It typically causes hypoglycemia.
Nursing priority in Addisonian crisis?
Administer IV hydrocortisone immediately.
Fill in the blank: Addison's may cause ___________ sodium levels.
decreased
Clinical sign of hyperpigmentation?
Bronze skin, especially in sun-exposed areas.
What lab values indicate Addison's?
Low cortisol, low aldosterone, high ACTH.
Addison's Disease can lead to?
Adrenal crisis due to stress or infection.
Nursing action for low blood pressure in Addison's?
Monitor vital signs; administer IV fluids.
Common electrolyte imbalance in Addison's?
Hyponatremia (low sodium) and hyperkalemia (high potassium).
What is the significance of ACTH stimulation test?
Differentiates primary from secondary adrenal insufficiency.
True or False: Stress increases cortisol production in Addison's.
False. Patients cannot produce adequate cortisol.
Symptoms of Addison's Disease include?
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low energy.
Long-term treatment for Addison's includes?
Lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement.
What should patients carry for Addison's?
Emergency hydrocortisone injection kit.
Cushing's Syndrome Overview(16)
Cushing's Syndrome Overview
Endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol.
Key Features of Cushing's Syndrome
- Moon face - Buffalo hump - Central obesity - Purple striae
Main Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome?
- Hypertension - Hyperglycemia - Osteoporosis - Muscle weakness
True or False: Cushing's causes weight loss.
False. Cushing's typically causes weight gain due to fat redistribution.
What lab value indicates Cushing's?
Elevated cortisol levels in blood and urine.
Nursing Action for Cushing's Syndrome
Monitor vital signs and glucose levels.
Cause of Cushing's Syndrome?
Excessive exposure to cortisol from adrenal tumors or prolonged corticosteroid use.
Fill in the blank: Cushing's Syndrome patients often have ___ skin.
thin, fragile skin.
Cushing's Syndrome vs Addison's Disease
Cushing's: high cortisol, Addison's: low cortisol.
Common Psychological Symptoms
- Mood swings - Depression - Anxiety
Assessment for Cushing's Syndrome
Look for signs of fluid retention and hypertension.
How to diagnose Cushing's Syndrome?
24-hour urinary free cortisol test, low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Treatment Options for Cushing's
- Surgery - Radiation - Medications (e.g., ketoconazole)
What is the primary concern for Cushing's patients?
Risk of cardiovascular disease and infections.
Nursing Education for Cushing's patients
Teach about medication adherence and lifestyle changes.
Primary Lab Test for Diagnosis
Late-night salivary cortisol test.
Comparative Analysis(16)
Addison's disease symptoms
Fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation.
Cushing's syndrome symptoms
Weight gain, moon face, hypertension, easy bruising.
Primary hormone deficiency in Addison's
Cortisol and aldosterone deficiency.
Primary hormone excess in Cushing's
Excess cortisol production.
Addison's disease skin changes
Hyperpigmentation, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
Cushing's syndrome skin changes
Thin skin, purple striae, easy bruising.
Addison's vs. Cushing's: Blood glucose levels
Addison's: low; Cushing's: high.
True or False: Addison's requires glucocorticoid replacement
True - to manage hormone deficiency.
True or False: Cushing's causes weight loss
False - Cushing's causes weight gain.
Addison's crisis triggers
Stress, illness, trauma, non-adherence to therapy.
Normal cortisol levels (morning)
Approximately 10-20 mcg/dL.
Diagnosis method for Addison's disease
ACTH stimulation test; low response indicates Addison's.
Diagnosis method for Cushing's syndrome
24-hour urine free cortisol test; elevated levels indicate Cushing's.
Addison's vs. Cushing's: Electrolyte imbalances
Addison's: hyponatremia, hyperkalemia; Cushing's: hypokalemia.
Cushing's syndrome treatment
Surgery, medications, or radiation therapy to reduce cortisol.
Addison's disease treatment
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids replacement therapy.
Questions in this Study Set(48)
1. What is the primary cause of Cushing's Syndrome?
2. What is the primary cause of Addison's Disease?
3. Which symptom is commonly associated with Addison's disease?
4. Which of the following is a characteristic physical feature of Cushing's Syndrome?
5. Which hormones are deficient in Addison's Disease?
6. What is a hallmark symptom of Cushing's syndrome?
7. Which symptom is most commonly associated with Cushing's Syndrome?
8. A patient with Addison's might present with which of the following symptoms?
9. Which hormone deficiency is primarily found in Addison's disease?
10. True or False: Patients with Cushing's Syndrome often experience muscle weakness.
11. True or False: Addison's Disease can lead to hyperglycemia.
12. How do blood glucose levels compare between Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome?
13. What lab test is commonly used to diagnose Cushing's Syndrome?
14. What is the priority nursing intervention during an Addisonian crisis?
15. Which of the following is NOT a treatment option for Cushing's syndrome?
16. Which is NOT a common psychological symptom of Cushing's Syndrome?
17. Fill in the blank: Addison's Disease may cause __________ sodium levels.
18. What is a common skin change seen in Addison's disease?
19. What is a possible nursing action for a patient with Cushing's Syndrome?
20. What clinical sign is indicative of hyperpigmentation in Addison's Disease?
21. What is the primary diagnostic test used for Cushing's syndrome?
22. Fill in the blank: Patients with Cushing's Syndrome may have ___ skin.
23. Which lab values are indicative of Addison's Disease?
24. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly found in Addison's disease?
25. How does Cushing's Syndrome typically affect weight?
26. What potential complication can arise from Addison's Disease?
27. True or False: Cushing's syndrome can lead to muscle wasting.
28. Which condition is a risk factor for developing Cushing's Syndrome?
29. What nursing action is appropriate for a patient with hypotension due to Addison's?
30. Which of the following could trigger an Addison's crisis?
31. What is the best treatment option for a patient with Cushing's Syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor?
32. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with Addison's Disease?
33. What is the normal range for morning cortisol levels?
34. Which statement accurately describes the difference between Cushing's Syndrome and Addison's Disease?
35. What is the purpose of the ACTH stimulation test in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency?
36. Which symptom is NOT associated with Cushing's syndrome?
37. What is the key concern for patients suffering from Cushing's Syndrome?
38. True or False: Stress increases cortisol production in patients with Addison's Disease.
39. What type of replacement therapy is required for Addison's disease?
40. Which medication is commonly used to manage Cushing's Syndrome?
41. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Addison's Disease?
42. Which of the following skin changes is typical for Cushing's syndrome?
43. What lifestyle change should be encouraged for a patient with Cushing's Syndrome?
44. What is a key aspect of long-term treatment for Addison's Disease?
45. In terms of treatment, what is often the first step for Cushing's syndrome?
46. Which of the following lab results would most likely indicate a diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome?
47. What should patients with Addison's Disease carry for emergencies?
48. Which adrenal condition is characterized by both weight loss and low blood pressure?
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