What symptom in a client taking hydrocortisone for Addison disease should the nurse report immediately?

In patients taking hydrocortisone for Addison's disease, a low-grade fever can be significant and should be reported immediately. Corticosteroids like hydrocortisone can suppress the immune response, making patients more susceptible to infections. A fever, even if low-grade, may indicate the presence of an infection or an inflammatory process, which could require prompt intervention to prevent further complications. The presence of fever in this context is concerning and warrants further assessment and possible diagnostic testing by the healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

The other listed symptoms, while they may require monitoring, do not carry the same immediate risk level. A blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg may indicate some changes in fluid balance or pressure regulation associated with steroid therapy but is not an urgent concern. A mild increase in fasting blood glucose can occur with corticosteroid use and typically requires ongoing observation rather than immediate action. A weight gain of 6 lb over three months, while notable, is a common effect of glucocorticoid therapy, reflecting fluid retention and increased appetite, and also does not suggest an acute issue that requires immediate reporting.