The Case of Suspicious Swelling
Course Overview
This continuing education podcast episode unpacks a perplexing clinical case of steroid toxicity caused by an imported supplement, initially masked as classic Cushing’s syndrome. Learners will follow a real-world diagnostic journey that highlights the dangers of unlabeled medications, and the challenges clinicians face in identifying non-obvious sources of endocrine disruption. The educational discussion emphasizes the importance of thorough medication histories, awareness of cultural and international supplement practices, and adherence to clinical safety protocols. This course supports nurses in improving their assessment skills, promoting safe supplement use, and recognizing red flags that may signal hidden pharmacologic risks.
Listen, Learn, and Earn CE Hours with this podcast course. Available on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast apps.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Recognize the clinical presentation of steroid toxicity and differentiate it from classic Cushing’s syndrome.
- Discuss the importance of assessing all supplements, including non-prescription and culturally specific remedies, during medication history intake.
- Analyze the diagnostic implications of suppressed cortisol levels in patients with Cushingoid features and identify when to suspect hidden exogenous steroid exposure.
- Implement evidence-based strategies for managing steroid toxicity, including safe tapering protocols and timely endocrinology referrals.
- Identify patient education approaches to raise awareness about the risks of unregulated supplements and encourage full disclosure of all substances consumed.
About the Author/Presenter
Mike Linares MSN, RN has over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including work as a Registered Nurse, EMT and paramedic. After a challenging nursing school experience he was motivated to create and found SimpleNursing, a platform dedicated to providing accessible and effective study resources for nursing students. Having helped over 1 million students become nurses, he continues to focus his efforts on educating and inspiring the next generation of nurses.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Nursing
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
