Endocrine

            Answer all the questions and be sure to provide references to support your answers. A 45 year old woman presents with a history of progressive weakness, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and increased skin pigmentation. Her blood pressure is 120/78 mm/Hg when supine and 105/52 mm/Hg when standing. Laboratory findings reveal a serum sodium of 120 mEq/L, potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L, and low plasma cortisol and high ACTH levels. Answer these questions: What diagnosis would this patients clinical features and laboratory findings suggest? Have you had any personal experience as a nurse with this disease? Would her diagnosis be classified as a primary or secondary endocrine disorder? Give a rational for your choice! What is the significance of her darkened skin?