Which diet would likely be prescribed for the client with Addison's disease?

Which diet would likely be prescribed for the client with Addison's disease?

• A. Low-protein diet
• B. Low-sodium diet
• C. High-sodium diet
• D. Low-carbohydrate diet

Answer: (C)

In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of aldosterone, which causes salt-wasting and dehydration. Losing sodium leads to low extracellular volume and risks of hypotension and hyponatremia. A high-sodium diet helps replace the sodium losses and supports blood pressure and fluid balance, especially during stress or heat when salt losses can increase. The other options don’t address this electrolyte problem: reducing sodium would worsen hyponatremia and hypotension, and there isn’t a specific need to alter protein or carbohydrate intake for this condition. Dietary sodium should be tailored and coordinated with medical therapy and electrolyte monitoring.

In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of aldosterone, which causes salt-wasting and dehydration. Losing sodium leads to low extracellular volume and risks of hypotension and hyponatremia. A high-sodium diet helps replace the sodium losses and supports blood pressure and fluid balance, especially during stress or heat when salt losses can increase. The other options don’t address this electrolyte problem: reducing sodium would worsen hyponatremia and hypotension, and there isn’t a specific need to alter protein or carbohydrate intake for this condition. Dietary sodium should be tailored and coordinated with medical therapy and electrolyte monitoring.