Adrenal crisis
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
A life-threatening state of cortisol and aldosterone deficiency; logic requires identifying the profound loss of sodium and retention of potassium.
Adrenal crisis in plain English
Immediate 'Rescue Association' is high-dose Hydrocortisone and 0.9% NS to reverse circulatory collapse. The tempting mistake is attempting to correct hypotension with vasopressors before replacing the missing glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid hormones.
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