Question

A 35-year-old woman on long-term Prednisolone for lupus presents with vomiting, abdominal pain and hypotension after a gastrointestinal illness. She is drowsy, with sodium 128 mmol/L and potassium 5.8 mmol/L. You suspect an Addisonian crisis. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous Hydrocortisone and intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride

Answer

Oral Hydrocortisone and oral fluids

Answer

Stop steroids and give intravenous 5% dextrose only

Answer

Give Fludrocortisone only

Answer

Discharge with advice to double her oral steroid dose

Practice question

A 35-year-old woman on long-term Prednisolone for lupus presents with vomiting, abdominal pain and hypotension after a gastrointestinal illness. She is drowsy, with sodium 128 mmol/L and potassium 5.8 mmol/L. You suspect an Addisonian crisis. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?