Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has adrenal insufficiency. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

1) Moon-shaped face
2) Weight gain
3) Calcium 12.8 mg/dL
4) Sodium 150 mEq/L

Answer 1

Adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease, is characterized by a reduced production of cortisol from the adrenal gland.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, is characterized by a reduced production of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include weakness, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, anemia, lymphocytosis, and fatigue.

In the case of a client with adrenal insufficiency, the nurse should expect weight loss (option 2) and sodium level of 150 mEq/L (option 4). The nurse should not expect a moon-shaped face (option 1) or calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL (option 3) as these are not typically associated with adrenal insufficiency.