The nurse is reviewing lab results for a patient with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following would indicate a corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma?

Explanation

• A corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma would cause the pituitary gland to secrete exessive amounts of ACTH, resulting in the excess secretion of cortisol. The negative feedback loop is ineffective at inhibiting the release of ACTH because of the adenoma

• Hypocortisolism is associated with low cortisol levels

• Adrenal tumors and hyperplasia are associated with high cortisol levels with low ACTH levels

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