Pathophysiology Practice Questions Related

Review Pathophysiology Practice Questions related questions and content

Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of prednisone can cause:

  • A. adrenal crisis.
  • B. hypercortisolism.
  • C. ACTH stimulation.
  • D. thyroid crisis.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: adrenal crisis. Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, resulting in adrenal crisis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a sudden drop in cortisol levels, leading to adrenal crisis with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypercortisolism refers to excess cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation would not result from prednisone withdrawal, and thyroid crisis is not directly related to corticosteroid discontinuation.