🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 55-year-old woman with known Addison's disease presents to the emergency department with severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. Her blood pressure is 75/40 mmHg, heart rate 110 bpm. Laboratory tests reveal hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

A Intravenous normal saline and hydrocortisone
B Oral fludrocortisone and potassium chloride
C Intravenous dextrose and insulin
D Oral prednisone and metoclopramide

✓ Correct Answer: Option A

This patient is presenting with an acute adrenal crisis, characterized by hypotension, gastrointestinal symptoms, and electrolyte abnormalities (hyponatremia, hyperkalemia). Immediate treatment involves aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation and high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone).

Related USMLE Exam Prep Questions