Question

A nurse is caring for a patient with adrenocortical deficiency. A physician has prescribed a fludrocortisone drug to the patient. Which adverse reaction should the nurse monitor for in the patient?

Answer 1

Nurses caring for patients with Addison's disease being treated with fludrocortisone should closely monitor for adverse reactions like hypertension, edema, worsening heart failure, and hypokalemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with adrenocortical deficiency, or Addison's disease, is characterized by insufficient production of cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. This condition can present with symptoms such as weakness, hypoglycemia, hyperpigmentation, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia. Fludrocortisone is prescribed to address aldosterone deficiency; however, nurses should monitor for possible adverse reactions, including hypertension, edema, and an exacerbation of heart failure in susceptible patients due to its mineralocorticoid effects, which promote sodium and water retention and increase blood pressure. It is also crucial to watch for signs of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as the drug can lead to increased excretion of potassium