An infant has congenital adrenal hyperplasia. At a routine well baby checkup, the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes vomiting, poor feeding, lethargy, and mild dehydration. Which action is correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms presented by the infant suggest an adrenal crisis, which is a medical emergency. The infant should be referred to the emergency department for immediate treatment with fluids, dextrose, and steroids to manage the crisis. Option A is not appropriate as it does not address the dehydration or the cause of the crisis. Option B may be appropriate in some cases but not in a medical emergency such as this. Option C only addresses replacement therapy, which is not appropriate in the management of an adrenal crisis.

An Infant Has Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia