Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient with Addison's disease needs dental treatment. What medication must be given before the procedure?
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Correct answer: C. Corticosteroids (steroid supplementation)
- A. ❌ Epinephrine treats anaphylaxis — not adrenal insufficiency prophylaxis.
- B. ❌ Atropine controls secretions and treats bradycardia — not adrenal crisis prevention.
- C. ✅ Correct. Patients with Addison's disease cannot mount a cortisol stress response. Stress-dose corticosteroid supplementation is required before dental procedures to prevent adrenal crisis.
- D. ❌ Antihistamines manage allergic reactions, not adrenal insufficiency.
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