Critical Care: Internal medicine EOR study guide |91 questions| with correct answers

Acute adrenal insufficiency is also known as CORRECT ANSWER Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) The most common cause of AI or Addison's disease is CORRECT ANSWER autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex What are the main hormones released by the adrenal cortex? CORRECT ANSWER Cortisol Corticosterone aldosterone sex hormones Where is the defect in primary adrenal insufficiency? CORRECT ANSWER adrenal cortex (note: these patients will require aldosterone replacement in addition to cortisol replacement) The most common symptoms of *Addison's disease* in an insidious onset of *fatigue, weight loss, emotional changes, amenorrhea* in addition to myalgia’s, weakness, and GI symptoms. Why? CORRECT ANSWER Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is responsible for converting fats, protein and carbs into energy. Without cortisol these types of symptoms may develop Acute adrenal insufficiency may produce what other types of symptoms? CORRECT ANSWER Sensory hyper-sensitivities and salt cravings orthostatic hypotension with SBP <110 in 90% slow DTRs Is *hyperpigmentation* seen in primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency? CORRECT ANSWER *primary* because ACTH is elevated (unlike secondary) and ACTH acts on melanocytes