NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

The condition characterized by insufficient production of cortisol or aldosterone is Addison’s disease. This disorder occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, do not produce enough of these critical hormones. Cortisol is essential for regulating metabolism, the immune response, and stress reactions, while aldosterone plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance by managing sodium and potassium levels.

Individuals with Addison's disease may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin, due to the body's overall imbalance in hormonal regulation. This condition typically arises due to damage to the adrenal glands, which can be the result of an autoimmune response, infections, or other illnesses that affect adrenal function.

Other conditions mentioned have distinct characteristics: Cushing’s syndrome involves excessive cortisol production, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder leading to hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism refers to insufficient thyroid hormone production, which is unrelated to the adrenal hormones in question.