The nurse assesses a female client with a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease). The nurse recognizes which finding associated with the disease?

Question

The nurse assesses a female client with a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease).  The nurse recognizes which finding associated with the disease?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Addison disease, or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, is also described as hypofunction of the adrenal cortex. The adrenal gland is responsible for secretion of glucocorticoids, androgens, and mineralocorticoids. Bronze hyperpigmentation of the skin in sun-exposed areas is caused by an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary in response to low cortisol (ie, glucocorticoid) levels (Option A). Clients with Addison disease may also have vitiligo, or patchy/blotchy skin, which is usually present when the etiology of the disease is an autoimmune problem. The immune cells are thought to destroy melanocytes which produce melanin (or brown pigment), resulting in a patchy appearance. Other common manifestations of Addison disease include the following: Slow, progressive onset of weakness and fatigue Anorexia and weight loss Orthostatic hypotension Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia Salt cravings Nausea and vomiting Depression and irritability (Options B, C, and D) Purple striae, hirsutism (increased facial and body hair), and a supraclavicular fat pad (ie, buffalo hump) are characteristics of Cushing syndrome, a condition associated with excess corticosteroid production. In contrast, Addison disease is a condition of hyposecretion of glucocorticoids. Educational objective: Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a common characteristic of Addison disease, or primary adrenocortical insufficiency, which can also cause hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and vitiligo.

The Nurse Assesses a Female Client with a Diagnosis of Primary