The client presents to the urgent care clinic with multiple painless whitish nodules in the mouth.
The client reports a history of smoking cigarettes and occasionally drinking alcohol.
What condition does the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale

In a client with Addison’s disease, the nurse should anticipate a serum electrolyte imbalance characterized by a serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and/or aldosterone. This can lead to hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood.

Choice C rationale

Excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and fatigue are all classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance (nih.gov, n.d.).

Choice A rationale

Hyperthyroidism, although it can cause weight loss, typically presents with additional symptoms such as increased heart rate, heat intolerance, and tremor (Studocu, n.d.).

Choice B rationale

Hypoglycemia typically leads to symptoms like sweating, hunger, and shakiness, often occurring in diabetic patients who take too much insulin or miss a meal (nih.gov, n.d.).

Choice D rationale

Cushing syndrome, resulting from excessive cortisol production, presents with symptoms like weight gain, thinning skin, easy bruising, and muscle weakness (nih.gov, n.d.).