ADDISON'S DISEASE

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Addison's disease:

-      Hyposecration of adernocortical hormones.

-          Caused by autoimmune destruction of the cortex or by idiopathic atrophy may be seen in clients with AIDS and TB and histoplasmosis.

-          Addisonain crisis (acute adrenal insufficiency) can be precipitated by stresses such as pregnancy, surgery, infection, dehydration.

x Clinical Manifestations:

1. Weakness.
2. anorexia
3. Fatigue
4. Dark pigmentation of the mucous & skin especially knee & elbows.
5. Hypotension.
6. Emaciation.
7. Increased glucose and potassium, decreased sodium.
8. Vomiting.
9. Diarrhea

x Therapeutic Intervention:

1. Administering Fluids and corticosteroids
2. Monitoring vital signs.
3. Placing the patient in a recumbent position with the legs elevated.
4. Hydrocortisone is administered intravenously followed by 5% dextrose in normal saline.
5. High carbohydrate, high protein diet.
6. Prevention of osteoporosis.
7. Correction of fluid, electrolyte, and glucose imbalances.

x Diet:

# Carbohydrate          # Protein             $ Potassium