What is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome that the nurse should consider?

The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is typically associated with excessive production of cortisol, which is often due to hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. In this condition, the adrenal glands produce an overabundance of cortisol, leading to the characteristic features of Cushing's syndrome such as weight gain, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and other metabolic changes.

While adrenal tumors or pituitary adenomas can also lead to Cushing's syndrome, hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex is a direct cause resulting in excessive hormone production. This option highlights the adrenal gland's role in the syndrome and the pathological changes that lead to the clinical manifestations seen in affected patients.

Understanding that hyperplasia pertains specifically to the adrenal glands' response and its direct involvement in overproducing cortisol provides clarity on the underlying mechanisms of Cushing's syndrome, which is crucial for nursing care and management.