A nurse is caring for a patient with Addison's Disease. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
buffalo hump
hyponatremia
decreased glucose level
weight gain
Craving for salt
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A. Buffalo hump:
Explanation: A buffalo hump is associated with excess cortisol, which is not a typical manifestation of Addison's disease. Instead, patients with Addison's disease may experience weight loss and muscle wasting.
B. Hyponatremia:
Explanation: Correct. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) can occur in Addison's disease due to the loss of aldosterone, which plays a role in sodium and water balance.
C. Decreased glucose level:
Explanation: Correct. Addison's disease can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) because cortisol, which is important for maintaining blood glucose, is deficient.
D. Weight gain:
Explanation: Weight gain is not a typical manifestation of Addison's disease. Instead, weight loss and muscle wasting may occur.
E. Craving for salt:
Explanation: Correct. Addison's disease can lead to salt craving, as aldosterone deficiency results in increased sodium loss and potassium retention.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Frequent mood changes:
This is correct. Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased levels of thyroid hormones, which can affect the nervous system and lead to mood changes, including irritability and anxiety.
B. Weight gain of 11 lbs in 3 weeks:
Weight loss is more characteristic of hyperthyroidism due to increased metabolism. Rapid weight gain is not typical.
C. Sensitivity to cold:
Sensitivity to cold is more characteristic of hypothyroidism, where there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones.
D. Constipation:
Constipation is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, where there is a slowing of the digestive system.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The parathyroid has no effect on calcium levels in the body; this will just help prevent osteoporosis":
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The parathyroid gland plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis. Hypoparathyroidism, characterized by decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) production, leads to low blood calcium levels, not high levels.
B. "The reason you have hypoparathyroidism is that you were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and when the thyroid doesn't work, neither does the parathyroid, so you need these supplements."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The parathyroid and thyroid are separate glands with distinct functions. Hypoparathyroidism is not a result of hypothyroidism.
C. "A decrease in parathyroid hormone causes low calcium levels, so your body to break down bones to maintain normal calcium levels, and this will prevent that from happening."
Explanation: This is the correct statement. Hypoparathyroidism leads to a decrease in PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels. Without sufficient PTH, the body may resort to breaking down bones to maintain calcium levels.
D. "An increase in parathyroid hormone causes your body to move calcium into the cells to reduce blood calcium levels, so you have to replace the levels in the blood."
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. An increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) typically leads to increased blood calcium levels by promoting the release of calcium from bones and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys. This describes hyperparathyroidism, not hypoparathyroidism.

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