An adult male is experiencing increased fatigue and occasional palpitations at rest. Which laboratory data would the nurse identify as consistent with these symptoms?

Choice A reason: Aggressive physical therapy is not a treatment for Addison's disease. While physical therapy can be beneficial for certain conditions, it does not address the hormonal deficiencies that are characteristic of Addison's disease.
Choice B reason: Lifelong hormone therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids is the standard treatment for Addison's disease. This involves taking medications to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing enough of, specifically glucocorticoids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, or dexamethasone) and mineralocorticoids (such as fludrocortisone). These medications help to maintain normal hormone levels in the body, manage symptoms, and prevent adrenal crises.
Choice C reason: Diuretics are not typically used as a primary treatment for Addison's disease. They are used to manage fluid balance and blood pressure in other conditions, but they do not replace the deficient hormones in Addison's disease.
Choice D reason: Lifelong insulin treatment is used for managing diabetes mellitus, not Addison's disease. Addison's disease involves adrenal hormone deficiencies, which are treated with hormone replacement therapy, not insulin.

Choice A reason: Insert indwelling urinary catheter. This task requires clinical judgment, sterile technique, and expertise. It is an invasive procedure that should be performed by a registered nurse or a physician.
Choice B reason: Monitor IV D5 1/2 NS with 20 mEq KCl at 75 m/hr. Monitoring IV fluids and medications involves assessing the patient’s response to treatment, recognizing potential complications, and making clinical decisions. This task requires the expertise of a registered nurse.
Choice C reason: Empty urinary catheter and measure the output. This task can be delegated to a nursing aide as it involves routine measurement and documentation, which does not require clinical judgment. It is a simple procedure that can be safely performed by a trained aide.
Choice D reason: Collect a stool sample for occult blood testing. This is a straightforward task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves collecting and labeling the sample correctly, which does not require advanced clinical skills or judgment.
Choice E reason: Daily weights. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s weight, which is a routine procedure and does not require clinical judgment.
Choice F reason: Notify the MD of any signs of bleeding. This task involves assessing the patient for signs of bleeding, which requires clinical judgment and should be performed by a registered nurse. The nurse must determine the significance of the findings and communicate them appropriately to the physician.
Choice G reason: Vital signs every 4 hours. Monitoring vital signs is a routine task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which does not require advanced clinical skills.