Which of the following laboratory test results would suggest to the nurse Len that a client has a corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma?
A. High corticotropin and low cortisol levels
B. Low corticotropin and high cortisol levels
C. High corticotropin and high cortisol levels
D. Low corticotropin and low cortisol levels
Correct Answer: C. High corticotropin and high cortisol levels
A corticotropin-secreting pituitary tumor would cause high corticotropin and high cortisol levels.
Option A: Cortisol levels should also be elevated in corticotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma.
Option B: Low corticotropin and high cortisol levels would be seen if there was a primary defect in the adrenal glands.
Option D: A low corticotropin level with a low cortisol level would be associated with hypocortisolism.