PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

Withdrawal from which medication is likely to precipitate an adrenal crisis?

1. Metoprolol

2. Methimazole

3. Furosemide

4. Prednisone

The correct answer is: Prednisone

Withdrawal from prednisone is likely to precipitate an adrenal crisis due to its effects on the adrenal glands and the body's hormone regulation. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that, when taken for an extended period, suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to decreased production of natural corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. When a patient abruptly stops taking prednisone after long-term use, the adrenal glands may not be able to respond quickly enough to meet the body's metabolic demands, especially during stress. This can lead to an adrenal crisis, a serious condition characterized by severe hypotension, hypoglycemia, and potentially life-threatening symptoms. The other medications listed do not have the same impact on the adrenal glands or are not associated with such critical withdrawal symptoms. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure, methimazole is used for hyperthyroidism, and furosemide is a diuretic. None of these directly influence adrenal hormone production, making them less likely to cause an adrenal crisis upon withdrawal.