Addison's Disease

Question 1

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 1

A condition whereby the adrenal gland produces a low amount of steroids (Cortisol and Aldosterone).

Question 2

Characteristics of Addison’s pt? (5)

Answer 2

1) Added pigmentation & potassium
- (hyperpigmentation & hyperkalemia)
2) Decreased weight (loss weight = water loss)
3) Decreased BP/Hair/sugar/energy
- hypotension, alopecia, hypoglycemia, fatigue
4) Salt craving - very skinny
5) Sodium loss
6 ) Small, weak, tanned

Question 3

Test used to determine ADDS?

Answer 3

1) Stimulation test (ACTH) - measure corticol level bfr and after
2) Insulin-induced test for hypoglycemia

Question 4

Causes (3)

hints : ADD

Answer 4

1) Autoimmune disease - body kills the adrenal glands/pituitary gland, low production of cortisol
2) Diseases - cancer, infections (HIV, TB)
3) Damage - Adrenal Hemorrhage d/t trauma (RTA)

Question 5

Treatments (5)

hint : ADDDI

Answer 5

1) Add ‘-sone’ steroids (eg : Prednisone)
2) Diets - high carbs and sodium, low potassium
3) Dont abruptly stop taking steroids medications
- to prevent Addisonian Crisis
4) Dont believe medication will cure - educate the pt
5) Indefinitely/Long term therapy : Hormone Replacement Lifelong

Question 6

what causes the Addisonian Crisis? (3)

hint : AAD

Answer 6

Abrupt stop steroid medication
Added stress - trauma, surgery, sepsis
Drop in BP - hypotensive shock

Question 7

Side effects of steroids (7S)

Answer 7

1) Swollen - sudden water gain = weight gain
2) Sepsis - infection d/t low WBC = slow wound healing
3) Sugar high - hyperglycemia
4) Skinny - muscle and bone osteoporosis
5) Sight - risk of cataracts
6) Slowly taper off - don’t abrupt stop steroids
7) Stress / Surgery

Question 8

Nursing considerations of steroids side effects

Answer 8

1) Record IO closely
2) Closely monitor VS and S/S of infections
3) For diabetic pt - increase insulin
4) Increase dose of steroids during surgery

Question 9

What triggers Cortisol increased? (4S)

Answer 9

Surgery, Stress, Sepsis, Strenous activity

Question 10

What are functions of steroids hormone? (3S)

Answer 10

Sugar increase (Cortisol)
Salt increase (Aldosterone)
Sex and hair growth (Androgen)