National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of Cushing syndrome?

1. Increased sensitivity to sunlight

2. Hypertension

3. Excessive hair growth

4. Weight loss

The correct answer is: Hypertension

Cushing syndrome is characterized by an excess of cortisol in the body, which can be due to various factors such as adrenal tumors, chronic use of corticosteroid medications, or pituitary adenomas secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). One of the hallmark symptoms of Cushing syndrome is hypertension, or high blood pressure. The elevated cortisol levels affect the body's ability to regulate blood pressure by increasing blood volume and but also by sensitizing blood vessels to the effects of catecholamines, which further contribute to increased vascular resistance. The other symptoms or options listed do not align with the typical presentation of Cushing syndrome. For instance, increased sensitivity to sunlight is more commonly associated with conditions like lupus or certain skin disorders rather than Cushing syndrome. Excessive hair growth, while it may occur, is more specifically related to conditions involving androgen excess such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Weight loss is generally not seen in Cushing syndrome; instead, affected individuals often experience weight gain due to fat redistribution and an increase in appetite resulting from elevated cortisol levels.