Adrenal%20insufficiency Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient should be instructed to carry card and warning bracelet/necklace with information about current therapy and emergency treatment recommendations
- Patient should be taught of the nature of hormone deficiency and the rationale of steroid replacement therapy
- Patient should be educated about glucocorticoid adjustments in stressful events and adrenal crisis prevention strategies
Steroid Replacement Therapy
- Glucocorticoid therapy
- Patient must be taught to double or triple their dose of glucocorticoid replacement temporarily if they have febrile illness or injury
- If vomiting occurs soon after oral dose, patient should be instructed to take 2nd dose
- Glucocorticoid injection should be provided for self-injection in cases of major injury, severe vomiting, acute adrenal insufficiency (AI), if the patient becomes unresponsive
- Mineralocorticoid therapy
- No need for patient to increase mineralocorticoid therapy during illness unless critically ill
- Patients should be instructed to maintain adequate salt intake (3-4 g/day)
- May need to increase dose of Fludrocortisone and to add extra salt to diet during hot weather, times of strenuous exercise, sweating, etc
History of Excessive Steroid Use
- Educate patient about risks of excessive steroid use