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: Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient cortisol production. The client’s symptoms, including weakness, confusion, and dehydration, along with laboratory values indicating low sodium, low glucose, and elevated potassium, suggest an adrenal crisis. Hydrocortisone is the primary. B. Regular insulin: Regular insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels, but the client’s glucose level is already low, not high. Insulin could worsen the client's hypoglycemia. The focus should be on correcting the cortisol deficiency rather than administering insulin. C. Broad spectrum antibiotic: While antibiotics may be needed if there’s a concern for infection, there’s no evidence of active infection here. The priority is addressing the client's Addisonian crisis, which is primarily treated with hydrocortisone, not antibiotics. D. Potassium chloride: The client's potassium is elevated (5.3 mEq/L), but potassium chloride is not indicated in this case. The priority is to manage the underlying adrenal crisis, which will address the electrolyte imbalance.