Adrenal Cortex Drug Therapy Exam Questions and
answers
Question 1 of 4
Which description of the therapeutic use of hydrocortisone in Addison's disease is accurate?
As an antiinflammatory agent
To modulate allergic response
As replacement cortisol therapy
To promote immunosuppression - ✅✅As replacement cortisol therapy
Hydrocortisone is used in Addison's disease as replacement therapy for cortisol deficiency.
Question 2 of 4
Fludrocortisone is sometimes used with hydrocortisone as therapy for Addison's disease. Which
rationale for the addition of fludrocortisone is accurate?
Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Facilitate elimination of excessive fluid
Promote immunosuppression
Regulate the body's glucose balance - ✅✅Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Fludrocortisone, a mineralocorticoid, is used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and raise blood
pressure primarily through retention of sodium.
Question 3 of 4
Which action describes how fludrocortisone raises the blood pressure in persons with Addison's
disease?
Acts as a pressor on blood vessels
Increases sodium elimination
Increases thirst and water intake
Decrease cortisol levels in the blood - ✅✅Acts as a pressor on blood vessels
Fludrocortisone acts directly as a pressor on the blood vessels and contributes to sodium retention, thus
elevating the blood pressure.
, Question 4 of 4
Which phrase describes the action of metyrapone drug therapy in a patient with Cushing's disease?
Regulates and normalizes blood glucose levels
Suppresses adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production to lower cortisol levels
Treats headaches associated with Cushing's disease
Blocks process of cholesterol conversion to cortisol - ✅✅Blocks process of cholesterol conversion to
cortisol
Metyrapone, a steroidogenesis inhibitor, blocks one or more steps in the conversion of cholesterol to
cortisol. Through this process, cortisol levels are controlled in Cushing's disease on a temporary basis.
Ms. Sanders is a 68-year-old female patient who has been diagnosed with Addison's disease. The patient
has a medical history positive for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. She takes an oral
antidiabetic medication and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The health care provider
has prescribed oral hydrocortisone 20 mg daily upon waking and fludrocortisone 0.10 mg once daily. The
nurse provides education to the patient on these medications and their side effects. - ✅✅
Question 1 of 5
Which statement made by Ms. Sanders indicates a good understanding of the adverse effects of
hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone therapy?
"As my condition improves, I can decrease my dose."
"These medicines have very few side effects when used as directed."
"I must have my blood checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication."
"I must have my cholesterol checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication." - ✅✅"I
must have my blood checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication."
Electrolytes must be evaluated regularly to assess for adverse effects from glucocorticoid therapy.
Electrolyte imbalance can occur, leading to heart failure and other cardiovascular side effects.
Question 2 of 5
Which changes in laboratory values can occur while taking fludrocortisone?
Hypoglycemia
Hyponatremia
answers
Question 1 of 4
Which description of the therapeutic use of hydrocortisone in Addison's disease is accurate?
As an antiinflammatory agent
To modulate allergic response
As replacement cortisol therapy
To promote immunosuppression - ✅✅As replacement cortisol therapy
Hydrocortisone is used in Addison's disease as replacement therapy for cortisol deficiency.
Question 2 of 4
Fludrocortisone is sometimes used with hydrocortisone as therapy for Addison's disease. Which
rationale for the addition of fludrocortisone is accurate?
Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Facilitate elimination of excessive fluid
Promote immunosuppression
Regulate the body's glucose balance - ✅✅Manage fluid and electrolyte balance
Fludrocortisone, a mineralocorticoid, is used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and raise blood
pressure primarily through retention of sodium.
Question 3 of 4
Which action describes how fludrocortisone raises the blood pressure in persons with Addison's
disease?
Acts as a pressor on blood vessels
Increases sodium elimination
Increases thirst and water intake
Decrease cortisol levels in the blood - ✅✅Acts as a pressor on blood vessels
Fludrocortisone acts directly as a pressor on the blood vessels and contributes to sodium retention, thus
elevating the blood pressure.
, Question 4 of 4
Which phrase describes the action of metyrapone drug therapy in a patient with Cushing's disease?
Regulates and normalizes blood glucose levels
Suppresses adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production to lower cortisol levels
Treats headaches associated with Cushing's disease
Blocks process of cholesterol conversion to cortisol - ✅✅Blocks process of cholesterol conversion to
cortisol
Metyrapone, a steroidogenesis inhibitor, blocks one or more steps in the conversion of cholesterol to
cortisol. Through this process, cortisol levels are controlled in Cushing's disease on a temporary basis.
Ms. Sanders is a 68-year-old female patient who has been diagnosed with Addison's disease. The patient
has a medical history positive for type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. She takes an oral
antidiabetic medication and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The health care provider
has prescribed oral hydrocortisone 20 mg daily upon waking and fludrocortisone 0.10 mg once daily. The
nurse provides education to the patient on these medications and their side effects. - ✅✅
Question 1 of 5
Which statement made by Ms. Sanders indicates a good understanding of the adverse effects of
hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone therapy?
"As my condition improves, I can decrease my dose."
"These medicines have very few side effects when used as directed."
"I must have my blood checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication."
"I must have my cholesterol checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication." - ✅✅"I
must have my blood checked regularly to assess for side effects of my medication."
Electrolytes must be evaluated regularly to assess for adverse effects from glucocorticoid therapy.
Electrolyte imbalance can occur, leading to heart failure and other cardiovascular side effects.
Question 2 of 5
Which changes in laboratory values can occur while taking fludrocortisone?
Hypoglycemia
Hyponatremia
