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) Small, skin-colored, pedunculated papules in areas of skin folds and on other areas as skin tags:
This description is more characteristic of acrochordons (skin tags), which are benign skin growths often found in skin folds. Skin tags are typically not associated with acne vulgaris.
B) Hyperpigmented areas that vary in form and color and are slightly elevated from the skin:
This description may be indicative of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can occur after resolution of acne lesions. However, it does not represent the primary pathological findings observed in acne vulgaris.
C) Hyperactive sebaceous areas forming comedones, papules, pustules on the face, neck, and upper back:
Correct. Acne vulgaris is characterized by hyperactive sebaceous glands, leading to the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, and pustules. These lesions commonly occur on the face, neck, and upper back due to the high density of sebaceous glands in these areas.
D) Sharply demarcated silvery scaling plaques with underlying redness on the elbows and knees:
This description is more indicative of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by silvery scaling plaques and inflammation. Psoriasis typically affects extensor surfaces such as the elbows and knees, rather than the areas commonly affected by acne vulgaris.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypothyroidism is characterized by deficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate thyroid hormone production.
A) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
This pattern of laboratory findings is not consistent with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 and T4 due to impaired thyroid function, leading to increased TSH levels as a compensatory response. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
While TSH levels are typically increased in hypothyroidism, T3 levels are usually decreased. Therefore, the combination of increased T3 and TSH is not indicative of hypothyroidism. This option is incorrect.
C) Decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
Correct. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in both T3 and T4 levels due to impaired thyroid function. As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, this pattern of laboratory findings is consistent with hypothyroidism.
D) Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4):
Decreased levels of TSH, T3, and T4 are not indicative of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
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