Which clinical finding would the nurse expect to find in a patient with Cushing disease?

Which clinical finding would the nurse expect to find in a patient with Cushing disease?

• A. Acne
• B. Buffalo hump
• C. Weight loss
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (B)

Excess cortisol from Cushing disease shifts fat to certain areas, creating a characteristic dorsocervical fat pad often called a buffalo hump. This redistribution is a hallmark of hypercortisolism, along with other features like a round face and abdominal obesity, and it stands out as a distinctive physical finding. Hypertension can accompany the condition, and acne can occur, but the buffalo hump specifically reflects cortisol-driven fat redistribution. Weight gain is expected, not weight loss, making the buffalo hump a more signature finding in this context.

Excess cortisol from Cushing disease shifts fat to certain areas, creating a characteristic dorsocervical fat pad often called a buffalo hump. This redistribution is a hallmark of hypercortisolism, along with other features like a round face and abdominal obesity, and it stands out as a distinctive physical finding. Hypertension can accompany the condition, and acne can occur, but the buffalo hump specifically reflects cortisol-driven fat redistribution. Weight gain is expected, not weight loss, making the buffalo hump a more signature finding in this context.