You are treating a patient whose symptoms lead you to suspect that she is suffering from Addison disease. Testing for which of the following would aid in your diagnosis in this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Addison disease results from a primary failure of the adrenal cortex to synthesize and secrete glucocorticoid (cortisol) and mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) hormones resulting in metabolic disturbances. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) are measured to help detect and evaluate the severity of an existing electrolyte imbalance characteristic of Addison disease. With Addison disease, the sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels are often low, while the potassium level may be very high. If the adrenal gland is either not functioning normally or not being stimulated by ACTH, then cortisol levels will be consistently low.

You Are Treating a Patient Whose Symptoms Lead You to Suspect