Which of the following is a characteristic manifestation of Addison's disease?
Hypertension.
Weight gain.
Excessive thirst.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not a characteristic manifestation of Addison's disease; rather, hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension, is commonly observed. This is due to the deficiency of mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which leads to impaired sodium and water reabsorption in the renal tubules, resulting in decreased intravascular volume and blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Weight gain is atypical in Addison's disease; instead, clients often experience weight loss. This is primarily due to the combined effects of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common gastrointestinal symptoms stemming from glucocorticoid deficiency and metabolic disturbances.
Choice C rationale
Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, is not a primary characteristic of Addison's disease. While severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea could induce thirst, the fundamental pathophysiology of Addison's disease, involving hypocortisolism and hypoaldosteronism, does not directly lead to excessive thirst as a predominant symptom.
Choice D rationale
Hyperpigmentation of the skin, particularly in areas exposed to sun and pressure points, is a classic manifestation of Addison's disease. This occurs due to increased production of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in response to low cortisol, leading to elevated levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) fragments that stimulate melanin synthesis in melanocytes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","H"]
Explanation
Signs: "increasingly confused and irritable", "tremors in the client's hands when arms are extended", "The client with cirrhosis appears disoriented and has difficulty answering simple asks", "The nurse observes asterixis when the client extends their arms", "The nurse monitors the client closely for worsening neurologic functions.”. Causes: "cirrhosis", "elevated mental status" (This phrase is likely a typo and should refer to elevated ammonia levels, which is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy). Treatments: "The provider prescribes lactulose to lower ammonia levels.”.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
The nurse should recognize that the child is most likely experiencing A. Spasmodic croup as evidenced by their A. Parent’s reports.
Rationale for correct answers:
Spasmodic croup typically presents in toddlers aged 1–3 years with sudden onset of a barking, seal-like cough, often at night, without fever or signs of systemic illness. This condition is usually triggered by allergens or minor viral infections and lacks daytime respiratory distress. The child’s physical exam shows no wheezing or abnormal lung sounds, and the temperature is within normal limits (37.3°C), suggesting a non-infectious etiology like spasmodic croup rather than viral or bacterial illness.
Parent’s reports of hoarse, barking nighttime cough, normal daytime behavior, and absence of fever or appetite change are hallmark subjective cues for spasmodic croup. Objective findings during the visit are normal, so clinical suspicion relies heavily on the history provided.
Rationale for incorrect Response 1 Options:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically presents with cough, nasal congestion, wheezing, and often respiratory distress or fever, none of which are present.
Epiglottitis presents with sudden onset of high fever, drooling, muffled voice, and severe respiratory distress, often requiring emergency airway management—not consistent with this child’s stable, playful presentation.
Acute laryngitis in toddlers is rare and typically presents with hoarseness but not the classic barking cough, and it usually follows viral upper respiratory symptoms.
Rationale for incorrect Response 2 Options:
Lung sounds are clear, so they don't support a diagnosis involving significant airway inflammation or obstruction.
Immunization history helps with disease prevention but doesn't assist in diagnosing the acute condition.
Laboratory results are normal except for mildly elevated eosinophils (780/mm³), suggesting atopy or eczema but not a direct link to the cough pattern.
Take-home points:
- Spasmodic croup is often triggered by allergies or viral irritants and is characterized by nighttime barking cough in toddlers.
- It should be differentiated from viral croup, RSV, and epiglottitis based on onset, symptoms, and physical findings.
- Clinical history from caregivers is crucial when physical signs are minimal or absent during examination.
- Absence of fever, normal labs, and clear lungs support non-infectious causes like spasmodic croup in an otherwise healthy child.
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