🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 55-year-old male with known adrenal insufficiency presents with severe hypotension (BP 70/40 mmHg), hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and profound weakness after a viral illness. He reports missing his hydrocortisone dose for two days. What is the most critical immediate treatment?

A Intravenous normal saline and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
B Intravenous dextrose 50% and glucagon.
C Intravenous hydrocortisone and aggressive fluid resuscitation.
D Intravenous calcium gluconate and insulin.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate high-dose intravenous hydrocortisone (stress-dose steroids) and aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation to correct hypotension and volume depletion.

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