CHAPTER 20 ■ ADRENAL FUNCTION 475

CASE STUDY

Hypertension is common and most often presents as an independent medical condition. Occasionally,
hypertension is a result of an underlying illness and requires different treatment. Because adrenal function is crit-
ical for (1) blood pressure, (2) potassium, and (3) glucose homeostasis, an adrenal etiology should be considered
in all patients with blood pressure problems accompanied by electrolyte abnormalities, unexplained change in
weight, failure to thrive, inappropriate virilization, and anxiety periods.
Eight different clinical scenarios are presented below. Each presentation is associated with a different diagnosis
and treatment. A discussion of adrenal causes, diagnoses, and treatments for each are found within the chapter.
Each numbered case study completes the following opening statement: A 22-year-old woman (previously
adopted, not currently taking medications, negative medical history) presents with . . .

https://quizlet.com/200089246/case-studies-for-adrenal-flash-cards/
CASE STUDY 20-1 CASE STUDY 20-4

. . . hypertension, with weakness and hypokalemia. . . . hypertension, with periods of panic attacks and
The patient also has a high urine potassium excre- hot flashes. She also presents with headache, hyper-
tion without diuretics. glycemia, hyperthyroidism, and gastrointestinal
complaints.
Question
hyperglycemia and the hot flashes
Question
1. What is the diagnosis?
1. What is the diagnosis?

CASE STUDY 20-2 CASE STUDY 20-5

. . . hypertension, with weakness and rapid onset of
obesity. This patient also exhibits central fat pads,
buffalo hump, plethora, thin skin, purple striae, easy
bruising, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia/insulin resist-
ance, and recurrent infections.
Question
1. What is the diagnosis?
. . . hypertension, with virilization. This young
woman presents with irregular menses diagnosed
with polycystic ovary syndrome. She has a border-
line low cortisol and elevated 17-OH progesterone.
Question 11 beta hydroxylase diffienecy
1. What is the diagnosis?

CASE STUDY 20-3 CASE STUDY 20-6

. . . hypertension, with weakness, irregular menses, . . . hypertension and hyperkalemia. She has normal
and hypokalemia. Her young age, borderline low renal function (low urine potassium) and metabolic
cortisol, and low androgens also are significant. acidosis.

Question congenital adrenal hyperplasia Question hypoaldosteronisim

1. What is the diagnosis? 1. What is the diagnosis?

476 PART 3 ■ ASSESSMENT OF ORGAN SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
CASE STUDY 20-7
. . . hypotension, failure to thrive, weight loss, and
weakness. Her laboratory results reveal hyper-
kalemia, fasting hypoglycemia, and metabolic
acidosis.
addison disease 40/60 pressure addison crisis
Question
1. What is the diagnosis?
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CASE STUDY 20-8
. . . new virilization and hirsutism. Laboratory re-
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EXO DHEA
Question
1. What is the diagnosis?
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