Which clinical manifestation is characteristic of Cushing's syndrome?

Prepare for the Barkley Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment Exam. Engage with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and ensure success!

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, which leads to a variety of clinical manifestations. One of the hallmark features is "moon facies," which refers to the rounded appearance of the face due to fat redistribution. This is often accompanied by "central obesity," a condition where fat accumulates primarily in the abdomen and torso, leading to a disproportionate body shape. These features are not only distinctive but also serve as important diagnostic indicators for health care providers assessing a patient for Cushing's syndrome.

While other options describe symptoms associated with different conditions or variants of adrenal issues, they do not encapsulate the characteristic fat redistribution and facial changes unique to Cushing's syndrome. For example, hyperpigmentation and weight loss are more commonly associated with conditions like Addison's disease rather than Cushing's. Similarly, hypotension and fatigue do not specifically link to the hallmark symptoms of excessive cortisol levels. Thinning of the skin and easy bruising are, however, also pertinent features of Cushing's syndrome but are secondary to the more defining traits of moon facies and central obesity.

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