Addison'

Question 1

Primary addison’s crisis

Answer 1

Addison’s disease

Low glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and androgens

Question 2

Secondary addison’s crisis

Answer 2

Lack of pituitary ACTH

Low androgens/glucocorticoids

Question 3

Addisonian crisis

Answer 3

Acute adrenal insufficiency
Sudden decrase in hormones

Hypotension, tachycardia
Low Na, High K
Fever, weakness, confusion

Question 4

Nursing care for addison’s crisis

Answer 4

Frequent monitoring

Fluids and electrolytes

watch for signs of cushing’s syndrome

High dose hydrocortisone replacement

Watch for infection

Low light, noise, temp.

Question 5

Side effects from corticosteroid therapy

Answer 5

Low K and Ca
Inc. glucose and BP

slow healing

low immune response

PUD
Muscle atrophy

Moon face, truncal obesity

Risk for adrenal crisis if stopped abruptly

Question 6

Corticosteroid Pt. teaching

Answer 6

sodium restrict if edema

monitor for hyperglycemia

Call doc if epigastric pain

Prevent injury/infection