National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What condition corresponds with signs such as "moon face," muscle weakness, hypertension, and easy bruising in a patient on long-term prednisone treatment?

1. Cushing syndrome

2. Cretinism

3. Grave's disease

4. Addisonian disease

The correct answer is: Cushing syndrome

The signs listed in the question – "moon face," muscle weakness, hypertension, and easy bruising – are indicative of Cushing syndrome, particularly in the context of long-term prednisone treatment. Prednisone is a corticosteroid, and prolonged use can lead to an increase in cortisol levels in the body, mimicking the effects of Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol, which leads to various physical changes and symptoms. "Moon face" refers to the rounded facial appearance that many patients develop due to fat redistribution, a common manifestation of this condition. Muscle weakness occurs due to the catabolic effects of cortisol on muscle tissue. Furthermore, hypertension is a well-known complication associated with excess cortisol levels, as cortisol can increase blood pressure through various mechanisms including fluid retention and vasoconstriction. Finally, easy bruising results from thinning of the skin and weakening of blood vessels caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels. While the other conditions listed may have overlapping symptoms or effects related to hormonal imbalances, they do not specifically present with the combination of moon facies, muscle weakness, hypertension, and easy bruising in the context of steroid use, making Cushing syndrome the clear correspondence in this scenario.