A 44-year-old man with Addison disease develops vomiting and diarrhoea and is unable to keep his usual hydrocortisone tablets down. He is hypotensive ...

Question

A 44-year-old man with Addison disease develops vomiting and diarrhoea and is unable to keep his usual hydrocortisone tablets down. He is hypotensive and has abdominal pain. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer IM or IV hydrocortisone and IV saline urgently

Answer

Give oral hydrocortisone once nausea settles

Answer

Advise rest at home and double usual oral dose

Answer

Start fludrocortisone only

Answer

Withhold steroids to avoid immunosuppression

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Adrenal crisis

A 44-year-old man with Addison disease develops vomiting and diarrhoea and is unable to keep his usual hydrocortisone tablets down. He is hypotensive and has abdominal pain. What is the most appropriate immediate management?