AEMCA Practice Exam

An Addison's crisis can be caused by which of the following?

1. A sudden illness or trauma that requires high cortisol levels

2. Withdrawal from corticosteroid medications

3. Rapid weight loss or obesity

4. An allergic reaction to medication

The correct answer is: A sudden illness or trauma that requires high cortisol levels

An Addison's crisis, also known as an adrenal crisis, is a serious condition that occurs when the body does not have enough cortisol, typically due to acute adrenal insufficiency. This can happen under circumstances where the body is under significant stress, such as during a sudden illness or trauma. In these situations, the body requires higher amounts of cortisol to manage the stress effectively. When individuals with Addison's disease or other forms of adrenal insufficiency are unable to produce sufficient cortisol, it can lead to an Addison's crisis marked by severe symptoms like low blood pressure, dehydration, and shock. In contrast, while withdrawal from corticosteroid medications can lead to adrenal insufficiency, it's the body's inability to mount an adequate stress response that typically leads to a crisis. Rapid weight loss or obesity, though they can impact overall health, do not directly lead to an Addison's crisis in the same way that a sudden need for increased cortisol does. Lastly, while an allergic reaction to medication can be a serious medical issue, it is not directly linked to the mechanisms that trigger an Addison's crisis. Thus, the condition stemming from a sudden illness or trauma requiring high cortisol levels is the primary cause of an Addison's crisis.