. Which of the following laboratory test results would suggest to the nurse that a client has a corticotrophin- secreting pituitary adenoma?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma leads to excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production.
2. High corticotropin levels would be expected due to the adenoma's overproduction.
3. The high cortisol levels occur as a result of increased ACTH stimulating cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
4. Therefore, choice B (high corticotropin and high cortisol levels) is the correct answer.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect because low cortisol levels would not be expected in a client with a corticotrophin-secreting pituitary adenoma.
- Choice C is incorrect because low corticotropin levels would not align with the excessive ACTH production from the adenoma.
- Choice D is incorrect as both low corticotropin and low cortisol levels would not be consistent with the pathophysiology of a corticotrophin-secreting pituitary adenoma.