A client on long-term corticosteroid therapy is demonstrating signs of acute adrenocortical insufficiency.The nurse knows that these symptoms are caused by:
Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Long-term corticosteroid therapy can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to reduced ACTH secretion from the pituitary gland. This suppression can cause the adrenal glands to atrophy due to lack of stimulation, resulting in decreased endogenous corticosteroid production. B) The failure of the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids is a direct consequence of the suppression of the HPA axis and the atrophy of the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms of acute adrenocortical insufficiency when exogenous corticosteroids are withdrawn or significantly reduced.

A Client on Long-Term Corticosteroid Therapy Is Demonstrating Signs of Acute