Question

question 9 of 10
the nurse assesses a client who has been diagnosed with addison’s disease. which of the
following is a diagnostic sign of this disease?
sodium of 140 meq/l
glucose of 100 mg/dl
potassium of 6.0 meq/l
a blood pressure reading of 135/90 mm hg

Explanation:

Addison's disease involves adrenal insufficiency, leading to electrolyte imbalances. In Addison's, potassium levels often rise (hyperkalemia) due to decreased aldosterone (which normally promotes potassium excretion). Normal potassium is 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L, so 6.0 mEq/L is elevated. Sodium is typically low in Addison's (not 140 mEq/L, normal sodium ~135 - 145 but Addison's causes hyponatremia), glucose is often low (not 100 mg/dL, normal but Addison's causes hypoglycemia), and blood pressure is usually low (not 135/90, which is prehypertension; Addison's causes hypotension). So the diagnostic sign here is potassium of 6.0 mEq/L.

Answer:

C. Potassium of 6.0 mEq/L