A 45-year-old male patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Upon examination, he is noted to have hyperpigmentation of the skin and hypotension. Laboratory tests reveal hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Based on these findings, the patient is diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Which interventions should the nurse anticipate for the management of this patient? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A: Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause pain and vision loss. The pain typically worsens with eye movement, and vision loss usually occurs in one eye. Symptoms include temporary vision loss, visual field loss, loss of color vision, and flashing lights. However, optic neuritis does not typically cause nausea or seeing halos around lights, and the pupil reaction to light is usually preserved.

Choice B: Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is more common in older adults. It can cause blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, and visual distortions such as straight lines appearing bent. However, it does not cause sudden onset eye pain, nausea, or seeing halos around lights. The pupil reaction to light remains normal in macular degeneration.

Choice C: Narrow Angle Glaucoma

Narrow angle glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, seeing halos around lights, and a mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil. This condition occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, leading to a rapid rise in eye pressure. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Choice D: Cataract

Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and seeing halos around lights. However, cataracts develop gradually and do not cause sudden onset eye pain or nausea. The pupil reaction to light is also typically normal in cataract patients.

Choice A Reason:

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, which is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Choice B Reason:

A triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Elevated triglyceride levels (above 150 mg/dL) are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but a level of 100 mg/dL does not indicate an increased risk.

Choice C Reason:

A recent viral infection is not a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes While certain viral infections can trigger autoimmune responses leading to type 1 diabetes, they are not linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, which is primarily influenced by lifestyle factors and genetics.

Choice D Reason:

A blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is within the normal range for fasting blood glucose and does not indicate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dL, and diabetes is diagnosed at levels of 126 mg/dL or higher. Therefore, a blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is not a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.