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Adrenal insufficiency emergency — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardEndocrine TherapeuticsAdrenal insufficiency emergencyGPhC CRA

A patient with Addison's disease collecting hydrocortisone says she has been vomiting all morning and cannot keep tablets down. What is the most appropriate alternative?

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Correct answer: D — Advise urgent emergency care for parenteral steroid treatment

Patients with adrenal insufficiency who cannot retain oral steroids are at risk of adrenal crisis. They require urgent medical assessment and parenteral hydrocortisone according to their emergency plan. Delayed treatment can be life-threatening.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS