Flashcard 14 - Medical Emergencies Flashcard Set for the CEN

Addison’s disease is chronic adrenal insufficiency; an adrenal crisis is an acute, life-threatening exacerbation.

Addison’s disease is a long-term condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. An adrenal crisis is a sudden worsening of adrenal insufficiency that leads to severe hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and the need for emergency corticosteroid replacement.