A patient presents at the walk in clinic complaining of diarrhea and vomiting. The patient has a history of adrenal insufficiency. Considering the patient's history and current symptoms, what would the nurse instruct the patient?
A) Increase his intake of sodium until the gastrointestinal symptoms improve.
B) Increase his intake of potassium until the gastrointestinal symptoms improve.
C) Increase his intake of glucose until the gastrointestinal symptoms improve.
D) Increase his intake of calcium until the gastrointestinal symptoms improve.
Ans: A
Feedback: The patient will need to supplement his dietary intake with added salt during episodes of gastrointestinal losses of fluid through vomiting and diarrhea to prevent the onset of Addisonian crisis. While the patient may experience the loss of other electrolytes, the major concern is the replacement of lost sodium.
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