A nurse knows the clinical manifestations of a client with Addison's disease include which of the following?
1. Nausea
2. Hypothermia
3. Hypertension
4. Hyperpigmentation
5. Hypotension
6. Hypernatremia
Rationale: (1, 4, 5)
Addison's disease is due to a hypofunctioning of the adrenal cortex. The clinical manifestations have a very slow onset, and skin hyperpigmentation (melanosis) is a classic sign. This bronze coloring of the skin is seen primarily in those areas exposed to the sun, pressure points, joints, and in skin creases (especially on the palms, knuckles, and elbows). Fatigue, nausea, weight loss, hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia are other findings associated with the condition. (Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, et al, 8 ed., p. 1280.)