The nurse is preparing a female client with Addison's disease for self-care afi.4 discharge. Which is the pathophysiological basis to support the need for the client to carry a cortisol kit at all times?

A) The drug may be needed to treat a sudden systemic allergic reaction: While cortisol may play a role in managing allergic reactions by suppressing inflammation, the primary reason for carrying a cortisol kit in Addison's disease is not typically related to managing allergic reactions. B) Hypertensive crisis requires immediate treatment to prevent a stroke: Hypertensive crisis may occur in some individuals with Addison's disease due to adrenal insufficiency, but the immediate treatment for this would typically involve fluids and intravenous hydrocortisone rather than carrying a cortisol kit for self-administration. C) Hyperglycemia may require cortisol to lower the blood glucose level: Cortisol can indeed influence blood glucose levels, but the need to carry a cortisol kit is primarily related to the management of adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia alone. D) Stress increases the body's need for additional replacement hormone: Correct. Individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of cortisol and often also lack aldosterone. During times of stress, such as illness, trauma, or surgery, the body's demand for cortisol increases to help cope with the stress. Inadequate cortisol production during stress can lead to adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition. Therefore, carrying a cortisol kit allows the individual to promptly administer additional replacement hormone (usually hydrocortisone) during times of stress to prevent adrenal crisis.