Hydrocortisone (Cortef) has been prescribed for a client. Which ...

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Hydrocortisone (Cortef) has been prescribed for a client. Which diagnoses does the nurse anticipate could be made based on this prescribed medication? (Select all that apply.)
 
  Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
 
  1. Adrenocortical insufficiency
  2. Intra-articular injections
  3. Inflammation
  4. Allergic disorders
  5. Type I diabetes

Question 2

A client complains of hypoglycemia, fatigue, hypotension, and GI disturbances such as anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which diagnosis does the nurse suspect based on these assessment findings?
 
  1. Hypoglycemic reaction
  2. Hypothyroidism
  3. Addison's disease
  4. Cushing's syndrome

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4

Rationale 1: Structurally identical to the natural hormone cortisol, hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is the drug of choice for treating adrenocortical insufficiency.
Rationale 2: Hydrocortisone is also available for the treatment of inflammation, allergic disorders, and many other conditions. Intra-articular injections may be given to decrease severe inflammation in affected joints.
Rationale 3: Hydrocortisone is also available for the treatment of inflammation, allergic disorders, and many other conditions. Intra-articular injections may be given to decrease severe inflammation in affected joints.
Rationale 4: Hydrocortisone is also available for the treatment of inflammation, allergic disorders, and many other conditions. Intra-articular injections may be given to decrease severe inflammation in affected joints.
Rationale 5: This medication would not be prescribed for type I diabetes.

Global Rationale: Structurally identical to the natural hormone cortisol, hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is the drug of choice for treating adrenocortical insufficiency. Hydrocortisone is also available for the treatment of inflammation, allergic disorders, and many other conditions. Intra-articular injections may be given to decrease severe inflammation in affected joints. This medication would not be prescribed for type I diabetes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Rationale 1: These symptoms indicate Addison's disease.
Rationale 2: These symptoms indicate Addison's disease.
Rationale 3: Primary adrenocortical insufficiency, known as Addison's disease, is quite rare, and includes a deficiency of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Symptoms include hypoglycemia, fatigue, hypotension, and GI disturbances such as anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Rationale 4: These symptoms indicate Addison's disease.

Global Rationale: A hypoglycemic reaction, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's syndrome are all incorrect. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency, known as Addison's disease, is quite rare, and includes a deficiency of both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Symptoms include hypoglycemia, fatigue, hypotension, and GI disturbances such as anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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Excellent

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TYSM