Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

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What could happen if the dosage of systemic corticosteroids is not reduced gradually?

Increased effectiveness
Addisonian crisis
Rapid weight loss
Immediate immune boost

The correct answer is: Addisonian crisis

If the dosage of systemic corticosteroids is not reduced gradually, it can lead to an Addisonian crisis. This is a life-threatening condition where the body does not produce enough cortisol, a hormone essential for regulating metabolism and responding to stress. Gradually decreasing the dosage allows the body to adjust to lower levels of the medication without causing a sudden drop in cortisol production. Increased effectiveness, rapid weight loss, and immediate immune boost are not potential outcomes of not reducing the dosage gradually and do not accurately reflect the potential consequences of abruptly stopping systemic corticosteroids.