Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a possible trigger for acute exacerbation of adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a possible trigger for acute exacerbation of adrenal insufficiency?
- Medical emergencies such as MI
- Chronic fatigue (correct)
- Surgery
- Traumatic injuries
What vital sign should be maintained above 94% in a patient with adrenal insufficiency?
What vital sign should be maintained above 94% in a patient with adrenal insufficiency?
- SP02 (correct)
- Heart Rate
- Temperature
- Blood Pressure
What is the recommended dosage of hydrocortisone for acute management of adrenal insufficiency?
What is the recommended dosage of hydrocortisone for acute management of adrenal insufficiency?
- 100mg IV or IM (correct)
- 150mg IV
- 50mg IV
- 200mg IM
In the event of adrenal insufficiency, what should be prioritized alongside managing ABC symptoms?
In the event of adrenal insufficiency, what should be prioritized alongside managing ABC symptoms?
What condition may occur when the body cannot adequately increase cortisol production?
What condition may occur when the body cannot adequately increase cortisol production?
Which option is part of the acute management protocol for adrenal insufficiency?
Which option is part of the acute management protocol for adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of acute adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of acute adrenal insufficiency?
What should be done if a patient suddenly stops steroid treatment?
What should be done if a patient suddenly stops steroid treatment?
What is the primary cause of Addison's disease?
What is the primary cause of Addison's disease?
What hormone is NOT produced sufficiently in Addison's disease?
What hormone is NOT produced sufficiently in Addison's disease?
What is the prevalence of autoimmune Addison's disease in the UK?
What is the prevalence of autoimmune Addison's disease in the UK?
What can cause secondary adrenal insufficiency?
What can cause secondary adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following statements about adrenal insufficiency is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about adrenal insufficiency is TRUE?
What role do cortisol and aldosterone play in the body?
What role do cortisol and aldosterone play in the body?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of adrenal insufficiency?
How long can the effects of steroid treatment on the body’s cortisol production last after discontinuation?
How long can the effects of steroid treatment on the body’s cortisol production last after discontinuation?
Which of the following conditions has the highest incidence percentage as a cause of adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following conditions has the highest incidence percentage as a cause of adrenal insufficiency?
What is a consequence of taking high doses of steroids for extended periods?
What is a consequence of taking high doses of steroids for extended periods?
What physical skin change is commonly associated with adrenal insufficiency?
What physical skin change is commonly associated with adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following conditions has the lowest incidence as a cause of adrenal insufficiency?
Which of the following conditions has the lowest incidence as a cause of adrenal insufficiency?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for balancing the effects of insulin?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for balancing the effects of insulin?
Study Notes
Adrenal Insufficiency/Addison’s Disease Overview
- Adrenal insufficiency, particularly Addison’s disease, involves the adrenal glands producing insufficient cortisol and aldosterone.
- Cortisol and aldosterone are critical for blood pressure regulation, immune function, insulin balance, stress response, and blood salt regulation.
Symptoms and Physical Manifestations
- Common symptoms include hyperpigmentation and vitiligo.
- Hyperpigmentation can occur on skin areas exposed to sunlight and other inflammatory lesions.
Causes and Incidence
- Incidence correlates with various causes:
- Vomiting (33%), Diarrhea (23%), Flu-like illness (11%), Major infections (6%), Surgery (6%).
- Other causes include blackout/LOC (6%), severe pain (4%), shock (4%), and severe fatigue/inadequate medication (2%).
- Unknown causes and psychological distress each represent 1%.
Steroid Treatment Effects
- Long-term steroid treatment of 40 mg for over a week may suppress the body's cortisol production for up to a year post-discontinuation.
- Risks include increased likelihood of developing adrenal crises.
Prevalence
- Autoimmune Addison’s affects approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals in the UK with about 8,400 diagnosed cases.
- Typically affects young to middle-aged populations.
Types of Adrenal Insufficiency
- Primary (Addison’s disease) involves adrenal cortex damage.
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency is due to pituitary gland dysfunction affecting cortisol signaling.
- Long-term steroid use can also lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Triggers of Acute Exacerbation
- Acute exacerbation triggers may include:
- Infections, hypoglycemia, stress, traumatic injuries, surgery, burns, pregnancy, significant medical emergencies, and sudden discontinuation of steroid treatment.
Management During Crisis
- Essential to assess and manage airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC).
- Maintain oxygen saturation (SP02) above 94%.
- Establish IV access for emergency treatment.
- Administer 100 mg of Hydrocortisone IV or IM in severe cases.
- Manage hypoglycemia through IV glucose administration.
- Immediate ECG monitoring and rapid transport to the nearest emergency department are critical.
Patient Management Objectives
- Understand and describe characteristics of adrenal insufficiency.
- Effectively manage patients experiencing Addisonian crises to prevent rapid health deterioration.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of adrenal insufficiency, particularly focusing on Addison's disease. Explore its symptoms, causes, and the significance of cortisol and aldosterone in bodily functions. Test your understanding of treatment effects and the disease's physical manifestations.
