Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

(^352) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS



  • Increased blood pressure caused by the excess aldosterone

  • Headache caused by increased blood pressure

  • Muscle weakness from decreased serum potassium

  • Increased thirst (polydispsia) due to high levels of aldosterone

  • Increased urination (poluria) due to high levels of aldosterone


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • Decreased serum potassium.

  • 24-hour urine collection to monitor aldosterone, creatinine, and cortisol levels.

  • Increased urinary aldosterone.

  • Presence of an adrenal tumor on a CT scan.


TREATMENT



  • Administer diuretics to control hypertension and raise potassium levels:

    • spironolactone



  • Administer medications to block the affect of aldosterone:

    • eplerenone



  • Surgically remove the adrenal tumor if present.


NURSING DIAGNOSES



  • Risk for imbalanced fluid volume

  • Risk for activity intolerance

  • Impaired physical mobility


NURSING INTERVENTION



  • Restrict sodium intake.

  • Monitor intake and output.

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