Which is an important nursing assessment for a patient receiving fludrocortisone to treat adrenal hypofunction?

Which is an important nursing assessment for a patient receiving fludrocortisone to treat adrenal hypofunction?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Temperature
• C. Pulse rate
• D. Respiratory rate

Answer: (A)

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys. That increases extracellular fluid volume and can raise blood pressure, so monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess both therapeutic effect and potential over-replacement. By checking BP regularly, you can detect hypertension, edema, or fluid overload early and adjust the dose as needed. Temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate aren’t as directly tied to the drug’s mineralocorticoid effect, so they don’t provide the clearest signal about how the medication is working or whether its dose is appropriate. Remember to watch for signs of electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia, but the key nursing assessment here is maintaining careful blood pressure surveillance.

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys. That increases extracellular fluid volume and can raise blood pressure, so monitoring blood pressure is essential to assess both therapeutic effect and potential over-replacement. By checking BP regularly, you can detect hypertension, edema, or fluid overload early and adjust the dose as needed. Temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate aren’t as directly tied to the drug’s mineralocorticoid effect, so they don’t provide the clearest signal about how the medication is working or whether its dose is appropriate. Remember to watch for signs of electrolyte imbalance, especially hypokalemia, but the key nursing assessment here is maintaining careful blood pressure surveillance.