Question

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

A) Moon-shaped face
B) Weight gain
C) Calcium 12.8 mg/dL
D) Sodium 150 mEq/L

Answer 1

In a client with adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease, a nurse should expect to find symptoms such as hyponatremia, not the symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome like a moon-shaped face or weight gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with adrenal insufficiency should expect to find certain symptoms indicative of the condition. Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, involves the hyposecretion of adrenal hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. This can result in a range of symptoms, including hyponatremia (decreased blood sodium levels), hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), hypotension (low blood pressure), fatigue, and weight loss due to both muscle wasting and loss of appetite.

Therefore, the correct finding that a nurse would expect in a client with adrenal insufficiency is hyponatremia. Symptoms such as a moon-shaped face and weight gain are associated with Cushing's syndrome, which is the result of an overproduction of cortisol, the opposite condition to adrenal insufficiency. Abnormally high blood calcium (as indicated by a calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL) and increased sodium levels (such as a sodium level of 150 mEq/L) are not typical findings in adrenal insufficiency.

Summary:

The correct finding for adrenal insufficiency is hyponatremia, an indication of low blood sodium levels. Findings such as moon-shaped face, weight gain, and elevated blood calcium or sodium levels are not indicative of this condition.