Practice Question
The nurse assesses an adult client with a history of Addison disease presenting with severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The client's blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg and the nurse notes hyperpigmentation of the skin. Based on the client's presentation, which is the priority intervention?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Administer a parenteral corticosteroid medication
Rationale:
🌿 Severe nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation indicate an Addisonian crisis requiring immediate steroid replacement.
🌿 Parenteral corticosteroids (hydrocortisone IV) are lifesaving because they replace missing cortisol.
🌿 Low cortisol leads to vascular collapse, so rapid steroid administration restores blood pressure.
🌿 Steroids also correct electrolyte abnormalities, especially hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
🌿 This intervention treats the ** underlying cause**, not just symptoms.
Administer an antiemetic
🌿 Does not treat the life-threatening cortisol deficiency.
🌿 Only manages symptoms.
Assess skin for a rash
🌿 Skin changes are expected in Addison disease and not priority.
🌿 Does not address shock.
Assess breathing pattern
🌿 Assessment is important but does not correct hypotension or crisis.
🌿 Steroids must be given first.
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This question is from ATI Custom LPN Pharm II NSG 2310 Exam 2 Fall 2025 which contains 84 questions.
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From Exam
ATI Custom LPN Pharm II NSG 2310 Exam 2 Fall 2025
84 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4