The nurse is preparing a female client with Addison's disease for self-care afi.4 discharge. Which is the pathophysiological basis to support the need for the client to carry a cortisol kit at all times?
The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction.
Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke.
Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level.
Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone.
The Correct Answer is D
A) The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction:
While cortisol may play a role in managing allergic reactions by suppressing inflammation, the primary reason for carrying a cortisol kit in Addison's disease is not typically related to managing allergic reactions.
B) Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke:
Hypertensive crisis may occur in some individuals with Addison's disease due to adrenal insufficiency, but the immediate treatment for this would typically involve fluids and intravenous hydrocortisone rather than carrying a cortisol kit for self-administration.
C) Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level:
Cortisol can indeed influence blood glucose levels, but the need to carry a cortisol kit is primarily related to the management of adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia alone.
D) Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone:
Correct. Individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of cortisol and often also lack aldosterone. During times of stress, such as illness, trauma, or surgery, the body's demand for cortisol increases to help cope with the stress. Inadequate cortisol production during stress can lead to adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, carrying a cortisol kit allows the individual to promptly administer additional replacement hormone (usually hydrocortisone) during times of stress to prevent adrenal crisis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Nerve degeneration due to chronic gastric reflux:
Nerve degeneration due to chronic gastric reflux may lead to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophagitis, but it is not directly related to the clinical presentation of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of GERD or esophagitis typically include heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia rather than severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention.
B) Volvulus that occurred during an appendectomy:
Correct. Volvulus refers to the twisting of a segment of the intestine around its mesentery, leading to obstruction of the bowel lumen and compromising blood flow to the affected area. In this scenario, the client's clinical presentation of severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is consistent with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, which can occur secondary to volvulus. Volvulus may result from various factors, including prior abdominal surgeries, such as an appendectomy, leading to abnormal positioning or adhesions within the abdomen.
C) Esophagitis due to reflux of gastric contents:
Esophagitis due to reflux of gastric contents can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, but it is not typically associated with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention characteristic of intestinal obstruction.
D) A history of having Helicobacter pylori infection:
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, but it is not directly related to the clinical presentation of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of H. pylori infection may include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but they are not typically colicky and severe as those seen in intestinal obstruction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Gastric carcinoma:
Helicobacter pylori infection is a known risk factor for the development of gastric carcinoma, or stomach cancer. Long-term follow-up is essential for clients treated for gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori infection to monitor for any signs or symptoms of gastric malignancy, such as persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, dysphagia, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Regular surveillance with endoscopic examinations may be recommended to detect any precancerous or cancerous changes in the gastric mucosa.
B. Hypokalemia:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not directly associated with gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. While certain medications used in the treatment of gastric ulcers, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists, may increase the risk of hypokalemia, it is not a long-term complication specifically related to H. pylori infection.
C. Kidney stones:
Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are not directly associated with gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. Kidney stones typically form in the kidneys and urinary tract due to factors such as dehydration, dietary factors, or metabolic disorders. While certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, may be associated with gastric ulcers, kidney stones are not a typical long-term complication.
D. Celiac disease:
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is not directly associated with gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. Celiac disease primarily affects the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining in response to gluten ingestion. While individuals with celiac disease may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, they are not at increased risk for gastric ulcers specifically related to H. pylori infection.
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