A client with Cushing's disease says that she has lost 1 pound. What does the nurse do next?

• A. Auscultates the lungs for crackles.
• B. Checks urine for specific gravity.
• C. Forces fluids.
• D. Weighs the client.

Answer: (D)

Tracking fluid and nutritional status through regular weighing is essential in Cushing's disease because cortisol excess can cause fluid shifts and muscle wasting. When a client reports weight loss, the nurse should obtain an objective weight to confirm the change and establish a trend, providing a clear data point to compare with prior weights and to guide care. Weighing gives a precise, reproducible measure of how the patient’s status is evolving, which is more informative than a single snapshot of hydration or a vague report.

Auscultating lungs for crackles might be considered if edema is suspected, but it doesn’t quantify a recent change or establish a trend. Forcing fluids could destabilize electrolyte balance or edema. Checking urine specific gravity offers a hydration snapshot but doesn’t show how the weight is changing over time.