Which is a typical feature of adrenal crisis?

Which is a typical feature of adrenal crisis?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (B)

Adrenal crisis is an acute episode of adrenal insufficiency where deficient cortisol and aldosterone lead to dangerous volume loss and poor vascular tone. The hallmark feature is low blood pressure from hypovolemia and impaired vasoconstriction, often with rapid heart rate and signs of shock if not treated quickly. Hypertension wouldn’t fit because the problem is volume depletion and reduced vascular tone, not excess fluid or pressure. Hyperglycemia is not typical here; cortisol deficiency can actually contribute to low glucose during stress or illness, though glucose levels can be variable. Hyperkalemia can occur due to lack of aldosterone, but it isn’t the defining sign of an adrenal crisis—hypotension is the most consistent clue.

Adrenal crisis is an acute episode of adrenal insufficiency where deficient cortisol and aldosterone lead to dangerous volume loss and poor vascular tone. The hallmark feature is low blood pressure from hypovolemia and impaired vasoconstriction, often with rapid heart rate and signs of shock if not treated quickly.

Hypertension wouldn’t fit because the problem is volume depletion and reduced vascular tone, not excess fluid or pressure. Hyperglycemia is not typical here; cortisol deficiency can actually contribute to low glucose during stress or illness, though glucose levels can be variable. Hyperkalemia can occur due to lack of aldosterone, but it isn’t the defining sign of an adrenal crisis—hypotension is the most consistent clue.