The nurse cares for a client with Addison's disease who was involved in a motor vehicle accident and hospitalized for a fracture of the right femur. Which client information is most important to report to the primary health care provider (PHCP)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Addison's disease is adrenocortical insufficiency or hypofunction of the adrenal cortex. A deficiency in all 3 classes of adrenal corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens, is present in Addison's disease. Addisonian crisis, or acute adrenocortical insufficiency, is a potentially life-threatening complication of Addison's disease. It can lead to shock and should be reported immediately to the PHCP. Addisonian crisis is triggered by stress, and its manifestations include the following: Hypotension and tachycardia Dehydration Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia Hypoglycemia Fever Weakness and confusion (Option B) Although any new ECG changes should be assessed and investigated, this finding is typically non-consequential and is not life-threatening. (Option C) Although pain should be assessed carefully and managed, it is expected with a fractured femur and is not life-threatening. (Option D) Vesicular breath sounds auscultated over the lung tissue are a normal and expected finding. Educational objective: Addison's disease is adrenocortical insufficiency or hypofunction of the adrenal cortex. A potential life-threatening complication is Addisonian crisis. Signs and symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, fever, weakness, and confusion; these should be reported to the PHCP immediately.

The Nurse Cares for a Client with Addison's Disease Who