Question

During the first 24 hours after a client is diagnosed with addisonian crisis, which task should the nurse perform frequently?

1) Test urine for ketones.
2) Assess vital signs.
3) Administer oral hydrocortisone.
4) Weigh the client.

Answer 1

The nurse should frequently assess vital signs during the first 24 hours after a patient is diagnosed with an Addisonian crisis to manage the crisis and prevent severe complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the first 24 hours after a client is diagnosed with an Addisonian crisis, the nurse should frequently perform task number 2, assess vital signs. This is crucial because in Addisonian crisis, the patient may experience extreme symptoms, such as severe hypotension leading to shock, due to acute adrenal insufficiency. Monitoring vital signs, which include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature, is essential to manage the crisis and prevent complications such as circulatory collapse and kidney failure.