Pathophysiology/
Signs & Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms
This symptom occurs with position changes
orthostatic hypotension
This electrolyte increases and must be monitored
Potassium
This medication is used to help with persistent hypotension
vasopressors
Surgical removal of
adrenal glands
Addison's occurs when there is damage/dysfunction of the
adrenal cortex
These procedures can also be used as diagnostics
ECG, X-Ray, CT scan and MRI scan
The nurse teaches the patient to select foods that are high in ____ during GI disturbances and very hot weather
sodium
Stopping ________ abruptly can lead to symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency.
corticosteroids
There is a _____ of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
hyposecretion
This form of Addison's most notably lacks the hyperpigmentation
Secondary Addison's disease
The nurse monitors the patients for __________ by monitoring the patients blood pressure, pulse rate, I & O and daily weight.
fluid imbalances
Aside from surgical removal these infections are also risk factors
tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, and bacterial infections such as Neisseria meningitidis
A decrease in __________ leads to decreased gastric motility/ bowel sounds, increased calcium, BUN, hypoglycemia (nervousness, trembling, diaphoresis, headache)
Cortisol
The response to this test is measured at 30 mins and again at 1 hour
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test
Hydrocortisone, prednisone, cortisone are all examples of
Glucocorticoids
an acute life threatening event that develops with disease progression
Addisonian crisis
increase potassium, hypovolemia, and decreased sodium & chloride result as a decrease in
aldosterone (mineralocorticoid)
The hyperpigmentation that occurs with primary Addison's disease is related to the release of
Melanocyte hormone
Triggers for an Addisonian crisis include
sudden discontinuation of medications, trauma, infection, stress, and overexertion
Inadequate secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland results in _____ because of the decreased stimulation of the adrenal cortex.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency