A client with Addison's disease is likely to exhibit which skin appearance?

A client with Addison's disease is likely to exhibit darkening or bronzing of the skin due to increased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that occur in response to low levels of cortisol. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of cortisol, which leads to a compensatory rise in ACTH levels. Since ACTH is closely related to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), its increase stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, resulting in the characteristic darkening or bronzing effect.

This skin change can often be seen in areas that are not typically sun-exposed, such as the creases of the palms, mucous membranes, and sites of scars or pressure points, in addition to generalized skin darkening. Understanding this characteristic skin presentation is vital for early recognition and management of Addison's disease.