Which signs should the nurse expect in a client with Addison's disease during data collection?

Which signs should the nurse expect in a client with Addison's disease during data collection?

• A. Edema and weight gain
• B. Hypotension and vomiting
• C. Obesity and muscle hypertrophy
• D. Hirsutism and excessive hunger

Answer: (A)

Addison's disease reflects a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone, which disrupts both vascular tone and fluid balance. Losing aldosterone causes salt wasting and water loss, leading to volume depletion that presents as low blood pressure, dizziness, and dehydration. The lack of cortisol adds fatigue and can contribute to nausea or vomiting and abdominal discomfort; hyponatremia from sodium loss further fuels weakness and dizziness, while hyperkalemia can affect heart rhythm. Weight loss and salt craving are common, and primary adrenal failure often causes hyperpigmentation due to elevated ACTH. Edema and weight gain don’t fit this picture, and obesity with muscle bulk or excessive hunger aren’t typical signs. So, hypotension with vomiting and dehydration would be the expected data-clinical signs.

Addison's disease reflects a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone, which disrupts both vascular tone and fluid balance. Losing aldosterone causes salt wasting and water loss, leading to volume depletion that presents as low blood pressure, dizziness, and dehydration. The lack of cortisol adds fatigue and can contribute to nausea or vomiting and abdominal discomfort; hyponatremia from sodium loss further fuels weakness and dizziness, while hyperkalemia can affect heart rhythm. Weight loss and salt craving are common, and primary adrenal failure often causes hyperpigmentation due to elevated ACTH. Edema and weight gain don’t fit this picture, and obesity with muscle bulk or excessive hunger aren’t typical signs. So, hypotension with vomiting and dehydration would be the expected data-clinical signs.