A primary healthcare provider writes prescriptions addressing the needs of a client with Addison disease. Which outcome does the nurse conclude is the main focus of treatment for this client?

A primary healthcare provider writes prescriptions addressing the needs of a client with Addison disease. Which outcome does the nurse conclude is the main focus of treatment for this client?

• A. Decrease in eosinophils
• B. Increase in lymphoid tissue
• C. Restoration of electrolyte balance
• D. Improvement of carbohydrate metabolism

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that Addison disease causes a deficiency of mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone) as well as glucocorticoids. Without aldosterone, the kidneys excrete too much sodium and retain potassium, leading to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Treating Addison’s focuses first on replacing these deficient hormones to restore electrolyte and fluid balance, which in turn stabilizes hemodynamics. By giving mineralocorticoid replacement (and glucocorticoid replacement as needed), the body reclaims sodium, loses excess potassium, and volume status improves, aligning with the main treatment goal. Changes in eosinophil counts or improvements in carbohydrate metabolism are secondary effects that may occur with hormone replacement but are not the primary objective of therapy. Initial management may also involve fluid resuscitation in crises, but the central, defining aim of ongoing treatment is to restore electrolyte balance and maintain stable circulatory status.

The key idea is that Addison disease causes a deficiency of mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone) as well as glucocorticoids. Without aldosterone, the kidneys excrete too much sodium and retain potassium, leading to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Treating Addison’s focuses first on replacing these deficient hormones to restore electrolyte and fluid balance, which in turn stabilizes hemodynamics. By giving mineralocorticoid replacement (and glucocorticoid replacement as needed), the body reclaims sodium, loses excess potassium, and volume status improves, aligning with the main treatment goal.

Changes in eosinophil counts or improvements in carbohydrate metabolism are secondary effects that may occur with hormone replacement but are not the primary objective of therapy. Initial management may also involve fluid resuscitation in crises, but the central, defining aim of ongoing treatment is to restore electrolyte balance and maintain stable circulatory status.