Final answer:
A nurse should expect to see a buffalo hump in a client undergoing long-term, low-dose glucocorticoid treatment for an autoimmune disorder, as it is indicative of Cushing's syndrome caused by hypersecretion of cortisol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical change that a nurse should expect to see in a client being treated with long-term, low-dose glucocorticoids for an autoimmune disorder is a buffalo hump. This condition is associated with Cushing's syndrome, which occurs due to hypersecretion of cortisol. The buffalo hump is a buildup of fat between the shoulders and is one of the hallmark physical signs of this syndrome. Other signs include a moon-shaped face, rapid weight gain, and thinning skin with easy bruising.
Long-term glucocorticoid therapy can mimic the effects of excess cortisol production and therefore can lead to similar symptoms as seen in Cushing's syndrome, including the buffalo above the hump. The treatment measures for this syndrome aim to reduce excessive cortisol levels, including surgery, radiation therapy, or medication depending on the cause.