(^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.