Question

A 42-year-old man with known primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease) presents with vomiting, abdominal pain, BP 80/50 mmHg, Na⁺ 126 mmol/L, K⁺ 5.9 mmol/L, and glucose 3.2 mmol/L after a viral illness. What is the most appropriate immediate management in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

IV normal saline and high-dose IV hydrocortisone

Answer

Oral hydrocortisone and outpatient follow-up

Answer

IV dextrose 10% alone

Answer

Start long-acting fludrocortisone and observe

Answer

Begin insulin infusion to treat hyperkalaemia only

Practice question

A 42-year-old man with known primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison disease) presents with vomiting, abdominal pain, BP 80/50 mmHg, Na⁺ 126 mmol/L, K⁺ 5.9 mmol/L, and glucose 3.2 mmol/L after a viral illness. What is the most appropriate immediate management in the emergency department?