Addison's Disease
Everything is low except potasium
Hypoglycemia
Low Sugar
Hyponatremia
Low Sodium
Addison Disease
Addison's Disease
- Adrenal insufficiency. Need to ADD hormone= ADDison’s
- Low corticol/steroid/Low aldosterone.
- Everything is low except potassium
- Low energy and low hair (lol)
- Low blood pressure
- Low sodium
- Low weight
- Low blood sugar
- Hyperkalemia is the only hyper: connect to cardiac monitor and watch for tall peaked T waves on EKG.
Hypotension
Low Blood Pressure
Weight loss
Low Weight
Low hormone
Low cortisol
Causes
Surgical removal of adrenal gland, infection, autoimmune, or abruptly stopping steroids (Addisonian Crisis).
Other Symptoms
Fatigue, anorexia, vitiligo (white patches on the skin) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and all the symptoms of hyponatremia.
Treatment
Corticosteroids. Treat hypoglycemia and hypovolemia. Monitor EKG (Hyperkalemia), sodium levels (seizures). Avoid Addisonian crisis.
Key Points to remember
The client has low adrenal hormones (mainly cortisol and aldosterone). Aldosterone ↑ sodium & ↓ potassium. If aldosterone is LOW: ↓ sodium & ↑ Potassium. This is why the client is hyponatremic and hyperkalemic.
Hyperkalemia
Monitor for Tall Peaked T waves
Bracelet
Wear a medical bracelet
After Treatment
Monitor for rebound Cushing's
Avoid Stress
To avoid Addisonian Crisis
Addisonian Crisis
Think Shock (hypotension, fluid loss). Extreme Addison’s: fever, syncope, convulsions, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Causes
Stress, infection, abruptly stopping steroids
Give Steroids
Seizures precautions due to hyponatremia
Fluids & Electrolytes
Fluid resuscitation. Dextrose. Monitor for hyperkalemia
Monitor kidney function
Due to dehydration & hypotension