NCLEX Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NCLEX-RN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Addison's Disease is characterized by undersecretion of the adrenal cortex. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of corticosteroids, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. As a result, individuals with Addison's Disease may experience a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and increased skin pigmentation.

The disease is primarily caused by an autoimmune response that damages the adrenal glands, though it can also occur due to other factors such as infections or adrenal gland removal. The understanding of Addison's Disease revolves around the fact that the adrenal cortex plays a crucial role in regulating various body functions through hormone production, and when this function is impaired, it leads to significant physiological consequences.

The other options do not align with the characteristics of Addison's Disease: oversecretion or increased production of adrenal hormones would reflect conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, while thyroid gland failure pertains to disorders specifically affecting the thyroid, which is separate from the adrenal glands.