During the first 24 hours after a client is diagnosed with Addisonian crisis, which intervention should the nurse perform frequently?

During the first 24 hours after a client is diagnosed with Addisonian crisis, which intervention should the nurse perform frequently?

• A. Weigh the client.
• B. Test urine for ketones.
• C. Assess vital signs.
• D. Administer oral hydrocortisone.

Answer: (C)

In Addisonian crisis, the top priority is monitoring circulatory stability because the lack of cortisol and aldosterone can lead to severe hypotension and shock. Frequent assessment of vital signs provides real-time information about a patient’s hemodynamic status and how they’re responding to treatment (fluids and steroid replacement). If blood pressure falls, heart rate rises, or respiratory status changes, you can intervene quickly to prevent deterioration. Other tasks are less critical in the first 24 hours. Weighing the patient helps track fluid balance over time but doesn’t give immediate insight into stability. Testing urine for ketones isn’t central to managing an acute adrenal crisis. Administering hydrocortisone is essential, but in the crisis the route matters; IV hydrocortisone is used because the patient may be unable to take medications orally. Focusing on vital signs allows you to gauge the effectiveness of the urgent interventions and adjust care as needed.

In Addisonian crisis, the top priority is monitoring circulatory stability because the lack of cortisol and aldosterone can lead to severe hypotension and shock. Frequent assessment of vital signs provides real-time information about a patient’s hemodynamic status and how they’re responding to treatment (fluids and steroid replacement). If blood pressure falls, heart rate rises, or respiratory status changes, you can intervene quickly to prevent deterioration.

Other tasks are less critical in the first 24 hours. Weighing the patient helps track fluid balance over time but doesn’t give immediate insight into stability. Testing urine for ketones isn’t central to managing an acute adrenal crisis. Administering hydrocortisone is essential, but in the crisis the route matters; IV hydrocortisone is used because the patient may be unable to take medications orally. Focusing on vital signs allows you to gauge the effectiveness of the urgent interventions and adjust care as needed.