What intervention should a nurse expect to perform for a client with Cushing's syndrome?

In the context of Cushing's syndrome, the administration and monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive levels of cortisol in the body, which can lead to hyperglycemia due to cortisol's role in glucose metabolism. Cortisol increases gluconeogenesis in the liver, promotes insulin resistance, and therefore can elevate blood sugar levels.

Monitoring blood glucose levels allows the nurse to detect and manage potential complications such as hyperglycemia or diabetes that can arise from prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels. This focus on maintaining stable blood sugar levels supports the overall health and well-being of the client and aids in preventing further complications related to metabolic dysregulation.

While assessing for neck vein distention, monitoring for an irregular heart rate, and checking for postural hypotension can all be relevant in various contexts, they are not specific priorities in the management of Cushing's syndrome compared to the direct correlation that glucose monitoring has with the disorder’s pathophysiology.