Adrenal Crisis

Question 1

what is the role of the adrenal glands

Answer 1

blood pressure
blood sugar
heart rate

Question 2

what is an adrenal crisis

Answer 2

when cortisol levels are dangerously low

Question 3

signs and symptoms of adrenal crisis

Answer 3

low blood pressure - dizziness
abdo pain
nausea/vomiting
confusion

hypoglycaemia

high heart and respiratory rate

Question 4

risk factor for adrenal crisis

Answer 4

previous steroid therapy
pregnancy
infection/illness
psychological stress/pain
Addisons Disease - damaged adrenal glands

Question 5

medical management for adrenal management - how does it work?

Answer 5

administers patients
- hydrocortisone emergency injection

how it works
- replenishes the cortisol level - a drop in these levels is what caused the crisis
- promotes gluconeogenesis - raises BCG

Question 6

if a patient has known adrenal insuffiency, why should they have a double dose of steroids prior to treatment

Answer 6

stressful procedure
prevent a adrenal crisis