A client with Cushing's disease is being admitted to the hospital after a stab wound to the abdomen. The nurse plans care and places highest priority on which potential problem?

A client with Cushing's disease is being admitted to the hospital after a stab wound to the abdomen. The nurse plans care and places highest priority on which potential problem?

• A. Infection
• B. Nervousness
• C. Inability to care for self
• D. Concern about appearance

Answer: (A)

Excess cortisol in Cushing's disease dampens the immune system and impairs wound healing, which makes infections much more likely and can rapidly become life-threatening after a traumatic abdominal injury. In this context, preventing infection and watching for early signs of sepsis takes priority over other concerns. The body's normal defense mechanisms are suppressed, and hyperglycemia often accompanies cortisol excess, further increasing susceptibility to infection and delaying healing. So the most urgent focus is infection prevention and early detection, including sterile wound care, vigilant monitoring for fever or abdominal changes, and prompt treatment if infection is suspected. The other issues—emotional distress, self-care ability, or appearance concerns—are important but do not pose the same immediate risk to life as infection in this scenario.

Excess cortisol in Cushing's disease dampens the immune system and impairs wound healing, which makes infections much more likely and can rapidly become life-threatening after a traumatic abdominal injury. In this context, preventing infection and watching for early signs of sepsis takes priority over other concerns. The body's normal defense mechanisms are suppressed, and hyperglycemia often accompanies cortisol excess, further increasing susceptibility to infection and delaying healing. So the most urgent focus is infection prevention and early detection, including sterile wound care, vigilant monitoring for fever or abdominal changes, and prompt treatment if infection is suspected. The other issues—emotional distress, self-care ability, or appearance concerns—are important but do not pose the same immediate risk to life as infection in this scenario.