FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

What is Addison's disease also known as?

1. Thyroid insufficiency

2. Adrenal insufficiency

3. Steroid deficiency

4. Pituitary disorder

The correct answer is: Adrenal insufficiency

Addison's disease is primarily recognized as adrenal insufficiency, which is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones play essential roles in regulating metabolism, immune response, and maintaining blood pressure. When cortisol levels are low, individuals can experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and low blood pressure. The other options indicated do not accurately describe Addison's disease. Thyroid insufficiency refers to conditions involving inadequate hormone production from the thyroid gland, not the adrenal glands. Steroid deficiency might hint at a broader category of deficiencies, but it lacks specificity and does not name the disease directly. Lastly, a pituitary disorder would refer to issues with the pituitary gland, which can affect many endocrine functions but is not what Addison's disease pertains to directly. Thus, the choice of adrenal insufficiency as the alternate name for Addison's disease is both precise and contextually relevant.