Adrenal crisis Flashcards
What are the indications to the suspected adrenal crisis m.d.
A patient with primary adrenal failure who is experiencing clinical signs of adrenal crisis
What kind of drug is hydrocortisone
Injectable corticosteroid mainly for production of cortisol and aldosterone (inflammation management)
What are signs and symptoms to suspected adrenal crisis
Dizziness
Nausea/Vomiting
Abdominal pain/cramping
Headache
Light headedness
Blurred vision
Hypoglycemia
Dehydration
Decreased Urination (Increased levels of ADH)
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diaphoresis
Weakness
Fever (exagerated immune response)
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Poor sleep/insomnia
GI disturbances
Hypotension
Anxiety, restlessness
What are the conditions for hydrocortisone (adrenal crisis m.d.)
Paramedics are presented with a vial of hydrocortisone for the identified patient
AND
Age-related hypoglycemia
OR
GI symptoms (vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain)
OR
Temperature ≥ 38C or suspected history of fever
OR
Altered level of awareness
OR
Age related tachycardia
OR
Age related hypotension
What is the treatment for hydrocortisone (adrenal crisis m.d.)
Route: IM/IV
Dose: 2 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest 10 mg)
Max single dose: 100 mg
Dosing interval: N/A
Max # of doses: 1
What are the contraindications to hydrocortisone? (adrenal crisis m.d.)
Allergy or sensitivity to hydrocortisone
What is an adrenal crisis?
- ## Arises when production of cortisol is inadequate due to internal or external factors.
What is cortisol
- Glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland.
- It’s the stress hormone. It’s release is triggered by stress (injuries, infection, exercise, waking up…)
What are S/S of Cushing’s Disease
- Chronic HTN
- More common in women
- HypoG (chronic)
- Too much cortisol
- Emotional disorder
- Slow healing
- Brittle bones
- Decreased libido
What are S/S of Addison’s disease
- Increased fatigue
- Weakness
- N/V
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Decreased BP
