A patient receiving corticotropin should contact the provider if which condition occurs?

• A. Bruising (ecchymosis)
• B. Constipation
• C. Myalgia
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Corticotropin stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, and prolonged exposure can lead to Cushing-like changes such as thinning of the skin and increased skin fragility. This makes ecchymosis (bruising) a key sign to report, because new or worsening bruising signals that the medication is causing or worsening adverse effects tied to excess cortisol, and the provider may need to adjust the dose or monitor for other complications.

Constipation, muscle aches, and nausea can occur with many therapies and aren’t as specifically worrisome for corticotropin’s intended adverse-effect pattern, so bruising stands out as the prompt to contact the provider.