A nurse is assessing a client with a history of Addison's disease admitted for surgery. The nurse is aware that which of the following is an expected assessment finding?
Weight gain
Hyperpigmentation
Elevated blood pressure
Purple striations
The Correct Answer is B
A. Weight gain is not typical in Addison's disease; instead, weight loss is common.
B. Hyperpigmentation, particularly in sun-exposed areas and skin folds, is a classic symptom of Addison's disease due to elevated ACTH levels.
C. Low blood pressure, not elevated, is common due to decreased cortisol levels.
D. Purple striations are more commonly seen in Cushing's syndrome rather than Addison's disease.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While pain level assessment is important, it is not the priority immediately after a significant brain injury where neurological changes may occur.
B. Wound site assessment is also essential but does not take precedence over neurological assessment in this context.
C. A neurological assessment is the priority to identify any changes in the client's condition that may indicate complications such as increased intracranial pressure, which can occur after brain surgery.
D. Respiratory status assessment is important but is usually addressed through monitoring and interventions related to neurological function, as brain injuries can affect respiratory drive and function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A short-term, low-dose steroid use (one week) has minimal risk for adrenal suppression.
B. Three weeks of steroids increases risk, but daily use presents a higher risk.
C. Prolonged daily steroid use, especially in an older adult, poses the greatest risk for adrenal insufficiency due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
D. Intermittent steroid use is less likely to cause adrenal insufficiency compared to daily long-term use.