A nurse is collecting data from a school-age child who has Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Cushing's syndrome results from chronic excess cortisol, whether from endogenous overproduction (e.g., adrenal hyperplasia) or exogenous corticosteroid use. Excess cortisol causes redistribution of body fat, leading to characteristic rounded, moon-shaped facial features, as well as truncal obesity, a buffalo hump, and thin extremities. These physical changes are hallmarks seen in school-age children with the condition. Rapid weight loss is incorrect because Cushing's syndrome causes weight gain, not loss; the hypercortisolism promotes fat deposition and increased appetite. Decreased cortisol levels is directly opposite to the pathophysiology — Cushing's syndrome is defined by elevated cortisol. Hypotension is also incorrect; excess cortisol has mineralocorticoid-like effects that increase sodium retention and raise blood pressure, so hypertension rather than hypotension is expected. Students commonly confuse Cushing's syndrome with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), which does cause hypotension and weight loss due to cortisol deficiency. Remembering the key mnemonic that Cushing's causes excess cortisol effects — moon face, central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and skin fragility — helps distinguish it clearly from conditions of cortisol deficiency.