👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-07-11🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Addison Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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Signs
What to look for
Bronze skin hyperpigmentation
Hypotension, wt loss, fatigue
Salt craving, N/V, weakness
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Labs
Key numbers
↓ Na, ↑ K, ↓ glucose, ↓ cortisol
↑ ACTH (primary cause)
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Do
Nursing actions
Lifelong hydrocortisone/fludrocort
↑ steroid dose with stress/illness
↑ Na diet, fluids, daily weight
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Report
Notify / act now
Addisonian crisis: shock, ↓ Na
Give IV hydrocortisone + saline STAT
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Quick Tip
Hallmark findings are fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, and hypotension.