Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What condition is most likely in a 50-year-old woman with symptoms of hyperkalemia, nausea, and craving salty foods?

1. Addison's disease

2. Cushing's disease

3. Metabolic syndrome

4. Cutaneous drug reaction

The correct answer is: Addison's disease

The condition most likely indicated by the symptoms of hyperkalemia, nausea, and craving salty foods is Addison's disease. This condition, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. In Addison's disease, the deficiency of aldosterone leads to an inability to regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. This results in hyperkalemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood. The craving for salty foods can be attributed to the body’s physiological desire to increase sodium intake due to the loss of sodium through urine from the lack of aldosterone. Additionally, the general feeling of nausea can be a symptom associated with electrolyte imbalances frequently seen in Addison's disease. Cushing's disease, on the other hand, is characterized by excess cortisol, which typically leads to hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia, making it less likely in this scenario. Metabolic syndrome encompasses a range of conditions, including obesity and insulin resistance, but does not specifically present with hyperkalemia or the cravings as described. A cutaneous drug reaction is unrelated to the systemic metabolic and hormonal issues that would cause the symptoms noted in this patient scenario. Overall, the combination