Basics/Mnemonics

Question 1

Addison’s Disease

Answer 1

ADDISON’s Mnemonic:
A - Autoimmune dz
D- Dark skin - hyperpigmentation
D - Drained - generalized weakness, tired, lethargic
I - Iatrogenic (possible cause)**
S - starvation - anorexia (no appetite), weight loss,
O - hypOtenstion,
N - N/V/D, ABD pain, fever - si adrenal crisis

Tx: GC (Hydrocortisone)

Note: Hypo/hyperthryoidism does NOT cause electrolyte abnormalities - think issue with adrenal gland

Also hypothyroidism causes fatigue/lethargy with generalized weakness but causes weight GAIN, not loss & also causes edema, cold intolerance

**Iatrogenic ex - someone comes in on prednisone, you don’t do their med rec correct, forget to reorder it, & BOOM - they’re in an adrenal crisis

Cushings = gushing cortisol
Conn syndrome = opposite = excess aldosterone