A client with a visible "buffalo hump" is likely experiencing symptoms due to which factor?

A client with a visible "buffalo hump" is likely experiencing symptoms due to adrenocortical excess, which is often associated with conditions like Cushing's syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. One of the hallmark physical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome is the redistribution of body fat, particularly leading to a fat accumulation at the back of the neck and shoulders, known as a "buffalo hump."

This occurs as cortisol influences fat metabolism and storage, resulting in an imbalance in how and where fat is deposited throughout the body. Thus, the presence of a "buffalo hump" serves as a clinical indicator of excess adrenal corticosteroids and reflects the physiological effects of elevated cortisol levels.