Which intervention is NOT part of preventing dehydration in Addison's disease?

• A. Monitoring intake and output
• B. Maintaining a low-sodium diet
• C. Monitoring for changes in mental status
• D. Encouraging fluid intake of at least 3000 mL/day

Answer: (B)

In Addison’s disease, preventing dehydration centers on preserving fluid and sodium balance because aldosterone deficiency causes sodium loss and water follows. Keeping track of intake and output helps detect days when hydration is slipping, while watching for changes in mental status can reveal evolving dehydration or hyponatremia before it worsens. Encouraging a generous fluid intake, such as around 3000 mL per day, supports maintaining adequate circulating volume, always adjusted for the individual’s needs and health status. A low-sodium diet would counteract these goals by reducing sodium available to combat the mineralocorticoid deficiency, thereby worsening dehydration, so it does not fit as a preventive strategy in this context.