Disorders of the Adrenal Gland Practice Test

Recognizing that a patient with Cushing disease is at risk for injury, which intervention would the nurse include in the patient's plan of care?

Instruct the patient to use an electric razor.

Excess cortisol in Cushing disease makes the skin thin and fragile with capillary fragility, so the patient is at high risk for skin injuries and cuts. Using an electric razor minimizes the chance of nicks and lacerations that a blade razor might cause, which is exactly the kind of injury this patient is trying to prevent.

Restricting ambulation doesn’t directly address fragile skin and can lead to deconditioning and falls. A tight dressing can irritate or impair skin and circulation in fragile skin. Heated blankets pose a burn risk, especially if there is diminished sensation or fragile skin. The electric razor specifically targets the injury risk most relevant in this condition.

Restrict ambulation.

Apply tight dressing.

Use heated blankets