Ms. J is diagnosed with primary adrenocortical insufficiency, or Addison’s disease. She is prescribed corticosteroid therapy. She wonders how she will fit taking pills into her busy schedule. She asks the nurse if she really has to take pills for this condition for the rest of her life. She insists that she works hard and loves to go on vacation and that she will not take pills every day for the rest of her life.
1. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response to the scenario?
2. Ms. J is started on corticosteroid replacement therapy. One week later, she is admitted to the emergency department with hypotension, dehydration, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is the most probable cause of these signs and symptoms?
