Question

A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Addison's disease. What interventions should be implemented?

1) Monitor for decreased potassium levels
2) Assist the client to select food low in sodium
3) Administer fludrocortisone as prescribed
4) Monitor I and Os
5) Record weight daily

Answer 1

In managing Addison's disease, monitor for hyperkalemia (increased potassium), assist in selecting high sodium foods, administer fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone, monitor fluid balance and electrolytes, and record daily weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating a client admitted with Addison's disease, several key interventions are essential:

• Monitor for increased potassium levels: Patients with Addison's disease can have hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency.
• Assist the client to select foods high in sodium. Loss of aldosterone in Addison's disease leads to sodium wasting and a need to replenish sodium levels.
• Administer fludrocortisone as prescribed: This medication replaces the missing aldosterone, helping manage sodium and potassium levels.
• Monitor I and Os: It's important to track input and output to assess fluid balance and electrolyte status.
• Record weight daily: This helps monitor changes in weight that might indicate shifts in water and electrolytes balance.