Question

A nurse notes in the medical record that a client with Cushing's syndrome is experiencing fluid overload. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

1. Monitoring daily weight
2. Monitoring intake and output
3. Maintaining a low-potassium diet
4. Monitoring extremities for edema
5. Maintaining a low-sodium diet

Answer 1

For a client with Cushing's syndrome experiencing fluid overload, interventions include monitoring daily weight and intake and output, maintaining a low-sodium diet, and checking extremities for signs of edema.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse has noted that a client with Cushing's syndrome is experiencing fluid overload. Appropriate interventions in the plan of care for this patient would include:

• Monitoring daily weight to detect changes in fluid balance.
• Monitoring intake and output to assess fluid retention or losses.
• Maintaining a low-sodium diet to help reduce fluid retention.
• Monitoring extremities for edema to evaluate the degree of fluid buildup.

Maintaining a low-potassium diet is not recommended for Cushing's syndrome because patients with Cushing's syndrome do not typically have an issue with potassium retention; in fact, they may need more potassium due to increased urinary loss caused by excess cortisol. Additionally, hypervolemia, excessive fluid volume, in patients like those with Cushing's syndrome, is caused by retention of water and sodium, and these interventions are designed to help manage this condition.