Nokea
A client with a history of Addison's disease and flulike symptoms accompanied by nausea and vomiting over the past week is brought to the facility. The client's wife reports that she noticed that he acted confused and was extremely weak when he woke up in the morning. The client's blood pressure is 90/58 mm Hg, his pulse is 116 beats/minute, and his temperature is 101°F (38.3°C). A diagnosis of acute adrenal insufficiency is made. Which of the following would the nurse expect to administer by I.V. infusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emergency treatment for acute adrenal insufficiency (addisonian crisis) is I.V. infusion of hydrocortisone and saline solution. The client is usually given 100 mg of hydrocortisone in normal saline every 6 hours until his blood pressure returns to normal. Insulin isn't indicated in this situation because adrenal insufficiency is usually associated with hypoglycemia. Potassium isn't indicated because these clients are usually hyperkalemic. The client needs normal - not hypotonic - saline solution.