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Addison's steroid emergency advice — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardEndocrine TherapeuticsAddison's steroid emergency adviceGPhC CRA

A 45-year-old woman with primary adrenal insufficiency takes hydrocortisone replacement. She has a fever and vomiting and asks for advice at the pharmacy counter. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Seek urgent medical help because vomiting may prevent steroid absorption

People with adrenal insufficiency require stress-dose steroid planning during illness. Vomiting can prevent absorption of oral hydrocortisone and may precipitate adrenal crisis. Urgent medical help is needed, and injectable hydrocortisone may be required. Skipping or reducing steroid replacement is dangerous.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF