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A patient presents with weakness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and new skin pigmentation. Labs show hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. What is the recommended treatment?

User FauxFaux
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Final answer:

The recommended treatment for a patient with symptoms and lab findings suggestive of Addison's Disease includes hormone replacement therapy, increased sodium intake, and careful management of electrolyte imbalances. An ACTH stimulation test should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Treatment for Addison's Disease

The patient's symptoms of weakness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and new skin pigmentation, along with lab findings of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, suggest Addison's Disease (AD), also known as primary adrenal insufficiency.

Treatment typically includes hormone replacement therapy to compensate for the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing. For AD, this often involves a glucocorticoid (such as hydrocortisone or prednisone) and a mineralocorticoid (such as fludrocortisone). Additionally, sodium intake may need to be increased, and during an adrenal crisis, immediate medical intervention with intravenous fluids and high-dose steroids is critical.

Given the signs and symptoms, other tests that could be done to confirm the diagnosis include an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test to assess adrenal gland function and measurement of cortisol levels. It's essential to treat electrolyte imbalances, specifically hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, in order to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

User Liauchuk Ivan
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