A client with Addison's disease becomes weak, confused, and dehydrated following the onset of an acute viral infection. The client's laboratory values include a sodium of 129 mEq/L (129 mmol/L), a glucose of 54 mg/dL (2.97 mmol/L), and a potassium of 5.3 mEq/L (5.3 mmol/L). When reporting the findings to the healthcare provider, the nurse anticipates a prescription for which intravenous medication? Reference Range Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)] Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)] Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

A. Hydrocortisone: The client is experiencing an Addisonian (adrenal) crisis, evidenced by weakness, confusion, dehydration, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypoglycemia. Intravenous hydrocortisone provides the deficient cortisol necessary to stabilize electrolytes, improve vascular tone, and support glucose regulation. B. Potassium chloride: Although the client’s potassium is elevated, administering potassium would worsen hyperkalemia. The priority is treating the underlying adrenal insufficiency rather than directly correcting potassium at this stage. C. Broad spectrum antibiotic: There is no evidence of a bacterial infection causing the crisis; the client’s acute illness is a viral infection, and antibiotics would not address adrenal insufficiency. Antibiotics may be considered only if a bacterial infection is confirmed. D. Regular insulin: Insulin lowers blood glucose and potassium, but this client is hypoglycemic and hyperkalemic due to adrenal crisis. Administering insulin would exacerbate hypoglycemia and is contraindicated in this scenario.