Question

1. Explain the pathophysiology behind Addison's disease. 2. What type of lab work will you expect to be ordered for a patient? 3. Explain to a new nurse on the unit what abnormal lab results you would expect to find in active Addison's disease prior to starting treatment. 4. What other signs and symptom might be expected to find in this patient, and what type of assessment would be important for a nurse

Answer 1

ANSWER.

1) Pathophysiology of addisons disease.

      * Etiological factors like Autoimmune atrophy of adrenal; gland,sudden cessation

           of corticosteriod therapy and surgical removal of adrenal glands result in inadequate

           level of cortical hormones in the body.

      * Low level of cortisol in the body leads to adrenocortical insufficency or addison's disease.

2) Lab tests for addisons disease.

       * Cortisol test.

       * Plasma ACTH (Adrenaocorticotropic hormone) level.

       * Serum electrolyte levels.

       * Complete blood count (WBC count).

       * Blood glucose test.

3) Abnormal lab results can expected in addisons disease.

       * Decreased serum cortisol level .

       * Increased plasma ACTH level.

       * Decreased blood glucose level.

       * Hyponatermia (decreased sodium level).

       * Hyperkalemia.(Increased pottasium level).

       * Increased WBC count.

4) Other symptoms might expected to find this patient.

       * Anorexia.

      * Muscle weakness.

      * Fatigue.

      * Hypotension.

      * Dark pigmentation of skin and mucus membrane.

      * Headache.

      * Rapid and weak pulse.

      * Restlessness.

5) Type of assessment would be important for a nurse.

         * Nurse should assess the vital signs to identify sudden changes due

           to addisons disease.

         * Nurse should perform physical examination which includes assessment

           of muscle weakness,skin color,turgor,weight changes etc.

         * Assess the intake and output of patient to identify changes in the fluid status.

         * Assess the stress level of the patient because increased stress can stimulate

           addison's crisis (a severe or emergency stage of addisons disease).