Question

Following the identification of low blood levels of cortisol and low 24-hour urinary free cortisol, a 51-year-old female client has been diagnosed with a primary adrenal cortical insufficiency. Which health consequence would be attributable to her low levels of cortisol?

Answer 1

Answer:

Health consequences: Low levels of cortisol can cause weakness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.

A patient may have more symptoms if he`s having an untreated Addison`s disease.

Explanation:

Adrenal insufficiency is the consequence of adrenal glands not producing steroid hormones, primarily cortisol. and impaired production of aldosterone, which regulates sodium conservation, potassium secretion, and water retention.

If not treated, it may cause abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, hypotension, (low blood pressure), vomiting, weight loss, kidney failure, and changes in mood.

All these symptoms are known as Addison`s disease.

I hope it helps!