Author Question: Hydrocortisone (Cortef) has been prescribed for a client. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate ... (Read 49 times)

appyboo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Hydrocortisone (Cortef) has been prescribed for a client. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate could be made based on this prescribed medication?(Select all that apply.)

1. Adrenocortical insufficiency
2. Intra-articular injections
3. Inflammation
4. Allergic disorders
5. Hyperthyroidism

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 disease
4. Cushing syndrome

fur · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

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 hyperthyroidism.

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 hyperthyroidism.

Answer to Question 2

3

Rationale 1: These symptoms indicate Addison disease.
Rationale 2: These symptoms indicate Addison disease.
Rationale 3: Primary adrenocortical insufficiency, known as Addison 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 disease.

Global Rationale: A hypoglycemic reaction, hypothyroidism, and Cushing syndrome are all incorrect. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency, known as Addison 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.