Adrenal insufficiency

Topic: Medical-surgical

Too little cortisol, plus too little aldosterone in primary disease (Addison's disease). Autoimmune destruction is the main primary cause; abruptly stopping long-term corticosteroids commonly causes secondary insufficiency. Fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, hyponatremia and hypoglycemia are typical; primary disease adds hyperkalemia and darkening of the skin. Adrenal crisis, triggered by infection, surgery or missed steroid doses, causes shock and needs IV hydrocortisone and fluids at once. Teach the client never to stop steroids abruptly, to follow sick-day rules and to wear medical ID.

Also known as:

Addison's disease, Adrenal crisis, Addisonian crisis

In Turkish:

Adrenal yetmezlik