Final answer:
Salt substitutes should only be given to Addison's patients if prescribed by an endocrinologist, due to the potential exacerbation of hyperkalemia caused by the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition's symptoms and treatment would be (d) Only if prescribed by an endocrinologist. Addison's disease, or adrenal insufficiency, involves insufficient cortisol production due to the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol or a lack of ACTH from the pituitary gland. Affected individuals often experience salt cravings due to sodium loss and may have high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Because of the potential alterations in electrolyte balances, the decision to use salt substitutes, which typically contain potassium in place of sodium, should be made cautiously. Any addition of potassium through salt substitutes could exacerbate hyperkalemia. Therefore, consultation with an endocrinologist is key to ensure safe dietary modifications that align with cortisol replacement therapy, the standard treatment for Addison's disease.