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: sodium 129 mEq/L (129 mmol/L), glucose 54 mg/dl (2.97 mmol/L) and potassium 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 Ranges Sodium [Reference Range: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L) Glucose (Reference Range: 0 to 50 years: 74 to 106 mg/dl. (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)) Potassium [Reference Range: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)

The client with Addison's disease is experiencing weakness, confusion, and dehydration, which can be indicative of an adrenal crisis. The low sodium level (129 mEq/L) and low glucose level (54 mg/dl) further support this suspicion. An acute viral infection can trigger an adrenal crisis in individuals with Addison's disease. Intravenous hydrocortisone, a glucocorticoid, is the treatment of choice for managing an adrenal crisis. It helps to replenish cortisol levels and stabilize the client's condition. Hydrocortisone helps in restoring the body's stress response and regulating electrolyte and glucose levels. A broad-spectrum antibiotic may be necessary if there is evidence of a bacterial infection, but it does not directly address the symptoms associated with Addison's disease. Regular insulin is used for managing high blood glucose levels in conditions such as diabetes, but in this case, the client has low glucose levels, so insulin is not the appropriate intervention. Potassium chloride is a medication used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia), but the client's potassium level is within the reference range (5.3 mEq/L). Therefore, potassium chloride is not indicated in this situation.