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 B
Explanation
A. Turning the client onto their operative side could increase pressure on the eye and is not an appropriate first action.
B. Administering prescribed pain medication and antiemetic is essential to address the client's severe pain and nausea, which are priority concerns in the postoperative period.
C. While it may be necessary to notify the surgeon if symptoms persist, the immediate priority is to alleviate the client's discomfort.
D. Reassuring the client that these symptoms are normal is misleading; severe pain and nausea postoperatively should be addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.