The client is taking fludrocortisone (Florinef) for adrenal hypofunction. The nurse instructs the client to report which symptom while taking this drug?

The client is taking fludrocortisone (Florinef) for adrenal hypofunction. The nurse instructs the client to report which symptom while taking this drug?

• A. Anxiety.
• B. Headache.
• C. Nausea.
• D. Weight loss.

Answer: (B)

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water retention and increasing blood volume. Because of this, the most important symptom to report is a sign that blood pressure may be rising due to excess mineralocorticoid effect. A new or worsening headache can indicate elevated blood pressure from fluid overload, so reporting headaches helps catch over-replacement early and adjust the dose if needed. Anxiety and nausea can occur with various medications but are not the best indicators of fludrocortisone over-reaction. Weight loss would not reflect the drug’s expected effect; in fact, over-replacement tends to cause weight gain from fluid retention.

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water retention and increasing blood volume. Because of this, the most important symptom to report is a sign that blood pressure may be rising due to excess mineralocorticoid effect. A new or worsening headache can indicate elevated blood pressure from fluid overload, so reporting headaches helps catch over-replacement early and adjust the dose if needed.

Anxiety and nausea can occur with various medications but are not the best indicators of fludrocortisone over-reaction. Weight loss would not reflect the drug’s expected effect; in fact, over-replacement tends to cause weight gain from fluid retention.