Question

A 52-year-old man on long-term prednisolone for polymyalgia presents with vomiting, abdominal pain and hypotension after missing several doses. He is drowsy, with blood pressure 80/50 mmHg and sodium 128 mmol/L, potassium 5.9 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous hydrocortisone 100 mg with rapid 0.9% sodium chloride

Answer

Intravenous 5% dextrose only

Answer

Oral hydrocortisone and observe

Answer

Begin fludrocortisone alone

Answer

Await cortisol results before treating

Practice question

A 52-year-old man on long-term prednisolone for polymyalgia presents with vomiting, abdominal pain and hypotension after missing several doses. He is drowsy, with blood pressure 80/50 mmHg and sodium 128 mmol/L, potassium 5.9 mmol/L. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?