NR 341 EXAM 3 STUDY NOTES

NR 341 EXAM 3 STUDY NOTESAdrenal Crisis “Addisonian Crisis” p. - A condition in which the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH - A medical emergency and potentially life-threatening situation and require immediate emergency treatment - Causes of Adrenal Crisis • When the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of cortisol • Caused by either previously undiagnosed or untreated Addison’s disease • Suddenly stopping intake of glucocorticoids - Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Crisis • Weakness • Mental confusion – loss of consciousness • Dizziness • N/V • Extreme low BP • Chills • Rash • Sweating • High HR - Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Crisis • Cosyntropin stimulation test • Cortisol level test • Immediate injection of hydrocortisone - Kidneys filter blood and regulate blood pressure Acute Kidney Injury p. - Acute kidney injury (acute renal failure – ARF) • Sudden deterioration of renal function • Changes in the vital signs • Signs of hypo- or hypervolemia • Patient history o Predisposing factors • Disease states o HTN o DM o Immunologic disease o Hereditary disorders • Hypotensive episodes • Exposure to nephrotoxic agents