The nurse is preparing a female client with Addison's disease for self-care afi.4 discharge. Which is the pathophysiological basis to support the need for the client to carry a cortisol kit at all times?
The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction.
Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke.
Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level.
Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone.
The Correct Answer is D
A) The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction:
While cortisol may play a role in managing allergic reactions by suppressing inflammation, the primary reason for carrying a cortisol kit in Addison's disease is not typically related to managing allergic reactions.
B) Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke:
Hypertensive crisis may occur in some individuals with Addison's disease due to adrenal insufficiency, but the immediate treatment for this would typically involve fluids and intravenous hydrocortisone rather than carrying a cortisol kit for self-administration.
C) Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level:
Cortisol can indeed influence blood glucose levels, but the need to carry a cortisol kit is primarily related to the management of adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia alone.
D) Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone:
Correct. Individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of cortisol and often also lack aldosterone. During times of stress, such as illness, trauma, or surgery, the body's demand for cortisol increases to help cope with the stress. Inadequate cortisol production during stress can lead to adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, carrying a cortisol kit allows the individual to promptly administer additional replacement hormone (usually hydrocortisone) during times of stress to prevent adrenal crisis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Increased preload that results in generalized peripheral edema:
This statement is incorrect. Decreased blood volume due to hemorrhage leads to decreased preload, not increased preload. Generalized peripheral edema is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure or kidney disease, where fluid retention leads to increased preload.
B) The lowered blood pressure results in a reduction of the heart rate:
While it's true that a decrease in blood pressure can trigger compensatory mechanisms such as an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), the specific response mentioned in this option is not entirely accurate. The primary compensatory response to hemorrhage-induced hypotension is typically an increase in heart rate, not a reduction.
C) Decreased preload that can lead to decreased cardiac output:
Correct. With decreased blood volume (preload), there is less blood returning to the heart during diastole. This leads to decreased ventricular filling and subsequently decreased stroke volume and cardiac output. Decreased cardiac output can contribute to hypotension and inadequate tissue perfusion.
D) Increased peripheral resistance resulting from poor renal perfusion:
While poor renal perfusion can trigger mechanisms to increase peripheral resistance (such as activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system), this option does not directly address the primary effect of decreased preload on cardiac output. Increased peripheral resistance alone does not adequately compensate for decreased preload to maintain cardiac output.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Blockage of retinal capillaries causing ischemic damage of the central macular area:
Correct. Blurry central vision that worsens over time can be indicative of macular ischemia, often caused by blockage of retinal capillaries leading to ischemic damage of the central macular area. This condition can occur in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.
B) Opaque spoke-like lines developing in the periphery of the lens to the center:
This description is more characteristic of cataracts, which cause visual disturbances such as glare or halos around lights rather than blurry central vision.
C) Tears in the retina that detach from the lining of the posterior eyeball:
Retinal tears and subsequent detachment can cause visual disturbances, but they typically present as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field rather than blurry central vision.
D) An increase in intraocular pressure with loss of peripheral vision:
This description is indicative of glaucoma, which can lead to loss of peripheral vision (visual field defects) rather than blurry central vision. Glaucoma-related visual field loss usually begins peripherally and progresses inward, affecting central vision in later stages.
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