Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client with an elevated cortisol level. The nurse can expect the client to exhibit symptoms of:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Elevated cortisol levels can lead to sodium and fluid retention and potassium deficit, resulting in urinary deficit. This imbalance in electrolytes and fluid can cause a decrease in urinary output. Choices B, hyperpituitarism, and D, hyperthyroidism, are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the symptoms expected with elevated cortisol levels. Option A, urinary excess, is also incorrect as high cortisol levels typically lead to fluid retention and urinary deficit, not excess.