The family member of a patient in adrenal crisis asks why IV cortisone is continued after the initial IV push of Solu-Cortef, which seems to stop the symptoms. The nurse replies that:
1. Solu-Cortef has a very brief therapeutic period and needs a maintenance IV to keep the level up.
2. IV infusions guarantee that Solu-Cortef will be absorbed.
3. longer term IV infusions maintain adequate urine output.
4. IV cortisone supports peripheral perfusion and elevates the blood pressure.
1
IV push Solu-Cortef will dramatically relieve the symptoms, but the therapeutic period is only about 1.5 hours, so a slower IV infusion is needed to keep the level of cortisol up.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: 968, Table 44-2
OBJ: 3 TOP: Adrenal Crisis
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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