American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What symptom indicates a decline in potassium levels in Addison's disease?

1. Hyperkalemia

2. Hypokalemia

3. Hypernatremia

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Hypokalemia

In Addison's disease, which is characterized by insufficient production of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands, hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood, is a common symptom. This condition arises due to the loss of aldosterone, a hormone responsible for potassium retention and sodium excretion. As aldosterone levels decrease, the body fails to retain potassium, leading to its depletion in the bloodstream. This can result in clinical manifestations such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac irregularities, all of which are associated with low potassium levels. The other symptoms listed do not relate directly to the decline in potassium levels associated with Addison's disease. Hyperkalemia indicates elevated potassium levels, which is generally not seen in this condition. Hypernatremia refers to high sodium levels, and hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, neither of which specifically indicates a decline in potassium. Thus, hypokalemia is the correct choice as it directly correlates with the pathophysiology of Addison's disease and reflects the imbalance in electrolyte levels due to adrenal insufficiency.