A newborn is diagnosed with the salt-losing form of congenital adrenogenital hyperplasia. On what should the nurse focus when assessing this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If there is a complete blockage of cortisol formation, aldosterone production will also be deficient. Without adequate aldosterone, salt is not retained by the body, so fluid is not retained. Almost immediately after birth, affected infants begin to have vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, loss of weight, and extreme dehydration. If these symptoms remain untreated, the extreme loss of salt and fluid can lead to collapse and death as early as 48 to 72 hours after birth. The salt-losing form must be detected before an infant reaches an irreversible point of salt depletion. This disorder does not cause hypoglycemia, excessive bleeding, or excessive cortisone secretion.

A Newborn Is Diagnosed with the Salt-Losing Form of Congenital