NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

Cushing's syndrome is primarily characterized by an excessive level of cortisol in the body, which leads to a range of symptoms defined by the body's response to high glucocorticoid levels. One of the hallmark symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome is swelling, particularly due to fluid retention and the effects of cortisol on metabolism and electrolyte balance. This swelling, or edema, can manifest in various areas of the body, contributing to the classic appearance often associated with the condition.

While fatigue and weakness can indeed occur in Cushing's syndrome, they are more nonspecific symptoms that may overlap with numerous other conditions. A swollen abdomen is often related to other aspects of the syndrome but is not as directly tied to a primary symptom profile. Cold intolerance is typically associated with conditions like hypothyroidism and is not a symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Therefore, the prominence of swelling as a direct result of high cortisol levels makes it a primary symptom specific to this condition.