Addison's disease

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Insufficiency of adrenal corticoids
-Glucocorticoid (sugar)
-Mineralcorticoid (Sodium)
-Androgen (sex hormone)

Question 2

What are the S/S?

Answer 2

Low BP
Low sugar
Low sodium (salt craving)
Low weight
HIGH potassium (peaked T waves on ECG)
Cold intolerance
Fatigue/weakness
Hyperpigmentation (bronze color over joints/palmar creases)

Question 3

What are the risks for Addisons disease?

Answer 3

Hypoglycemia
Hyponatremia
Hyperkalemia
Addisonian crisis

Question 4

What is the diet for Addisons disease?

Answer 4

High carb
High protein
Adequate sodium

Question 5

What is the treatment?

Answer 5

“ADD THE SONE”
Steroids life long treatment
-Do not stop abruptly
-Wear medical ID bracelet
-Increase steroids during time of stress
Educate on long term effects (cushings syndrome)

Question 6

What is Addisonian crisis?

Answer 6

“everything is stupid low except Potassium”
-Can cause circulatory collapse
Low BP
Low sugar
Low sodium
HIGH potassium (arrhythmia)
Fever, N/D,

Question 7

How do you treat Addisonian crisis?

Answer 7

IV push/bolus steroid (hormone replacement)
Give Isotonic fluids
Give dextrose
for low B/P + Dehydration