AEMCA Practice Exam

What symptom is NOT commonly associated with Addison's crisis?

1. Severe back or lower abdominal pain

2. Dehydration

3. High blood pressure

4. Vomiting

The correct answer is: High blood pressure

The symptom that is not commonly associated with Addison's crisis is high blood pressure. During an Addison's crisis, which is a severe and acute adrenal insufficiency, individuals typically experience symptoms related to low cortisol levels. This crisis can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dehydration, and vomiting due to a lack of adequate hormone production. High blood pressure is generally counter to what is observed in Addison's crisis; during this condition, blood pressure often becomes low or even causes a state of shock. Understanding the physiological impacts of adrenal insufficiency is crucial, as the lack of cortisol influences various systems, leading to symptoms indicative of low blood volume and inadequate blood pressure response rather than hypertension.