Medical Emergencies · single question

A patient with Addison's disease needs dental treatment. What medication must be given before the procedure?

  1. Antihistamines
  2. Epinephrine
  3. Corticosteroids (steroid supplementation)
  4. Atropine
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Antihistamines

  • A. 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.
  • B. Incorrect. Epinephrine treats anaphylaxis — not adrenal insufficiency prophylaxis.
  • C. Incorrect. Atropine controls secretions and treats bradycardia — not adrenal crisis prevention.
  • D. Incorrect. Antihistamines manage allergic reactions, not adrenal insufficiency.

Sources disagree on the answer to this question. Check a trusted reference.

Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes

More Medical Emergencies practice questions