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

What symptom is associated with Addison's disease?

1. Hyperglycemia

2. Hyponatremia

3. Hypertension

4. Hypercalcemia

The correct answer is: Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is indeed associated with Addison's disease. This condition occurs due to an adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. Aldosterone is particularly important for regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. A deficiency in this hormone leads to a loss of sodium (hyponatremia) and an increase in potassium, which can contribute to various symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and hypotension. In Addison's disease, the imbalance in electrolyte levels also contributes to the characteristic symptoms and complications of the disorder. The resulting low sodium levels can lead to decreased blood volume and pressure, which may impact overall health and require careful management. The other options, such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hypercalcemia, are not typically associated with Addison's disease. In fact, due to insufficient cortisol, individuals often experience hypoglycemia rather than hyperglycemia, and hypertension is not a characteristic symptom because Addison's typically leads to low blood pressure due to reduced blood volume. Hypercalcemia does not have a direct link to Addison's disease and is more associated with other conditions involving the parathyroid glands or malignancies.