Word parts
What it means
The body's main mineralocorticoid is aldosteroneal-DOS-tuh-rohnA hormone from the adrenal glands that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water and get rid of potassium.aldo- from aldehyde (a chemical group)-sterone steroid hormoneFull entry , made by the adrenal cortex, which helps control blood pressure, fluid volume and potassium. The drug fludrocortisonefloo-droh-KOR-tih-zoneA steroid tablet that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water, used to replace a missing adrenal hormone.Full entry replaces it in conditions where the adrenal glands do not make enough, such as Addison diseaseAD-ih-sun dih-ZEEZA condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and often not enough aldosterone.Full entry , and is also used for some kinds of low blood pressure on standing. Too much effect causes fluid retention, high blood pressure and low potassium.
For the nurse
Weigh the client daily, check blood pressure, and watch potassium levels and for swelling. Teach the client not to stop the drug suddenly.
At a glance
| Also written | mineralocorticoids |
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Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
Addison disease
A condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and often not enough aldosterone.
aldosterone
A hormone from the adrenal glands that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water and get rid of potassium.
fludrocortisone
A steroid tablet that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water, used to replace a missing adrenal hormone.