A nurse is caring for a client with Cushing syndrome. Which clinical manifestation is commonly associated with this condition?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Truncal obesity
• C. Hypotension
• D. Sleep disturbance

Answer: (B)

Excess cortisol from Cushing syndrome causes fat to relocate to the trunk, producing truncal obesity along with a round face and a buffalo hump. This central fat accumulation is the most characteristic and commonly observed feature of the condition, so truncal obesity is the best answer.

Polyuria can occur if hyperglycemia develops, and sleep disturbances or hypertension may be present, but none are as consistently associated with Cushing syndrome as the central fat distribution.