Reference no: EM133482871

Mrs. Ramirez was admitted to the hospital for wrist surgery secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. Postoperatively, she is stabilized and transferred to the general surgery unit. Mrs. Ramirez's medications include digoxin, Lasix, captopril, Synthyroid, aspirin, Protonix, and prednisone. When administering morning medications, Mrs. Ramirez refuses her aspirin and prednisone, and the nurse holds the medications. Over the next 3 days, Mrs. Ramirez continues to refuse the prednisone, and the medication is not administered. On the third postoperative day, Mrs. Ramirez becomes hypotensive, tachycardic, and has a decrease in level of consciousness. STAT labs are sent for a complete blood cell count and chemistry panel, and the physician is notified of the change in patient status. On review of the patient's record, the physician notes that Mrs. Ramirez has not received her prednisone for 4 days. Mrs. Ramirez has been on Prednisone for the past 5 years for her rheumatoid arthritis, and the physician begins to treat the patient for acute adrenal insufficiency.

1. What are the purposes of the adrenal glands? What hormones do the adrenal glands produce?

2. When I have an overproduction or underproduction of adrenal gland hormones what is the disease called?

3. What are symptoms of Addison's disease?

4. What are symptoms of Cushing's disease?

5. What is the treatment for Addison's disease?

6. What is the treatment for Cushing's disease?