For a client with Addison's disease, which medication is a priority for the nurse to administer?

In the management of Addison's disease, the primary concern is the replacement of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol, which is deficient. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that serves as an effective replacement therapy for this purpose. Administering hydrocortisone intravenously is often critical, especially in acute situations such as an adrenal crisis or when the patient is unable to take oral medications.

In cases of adrenal insufficiency, patients can experience severe symptoms such as hypotension, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte imbalances due to inadequate levels of cortisol. Therefore, providing high-dose hydrocortisone intravenously addresses these deficiencies promptly and effectively. It quickly raises cortisol levels and can stabilize the patient's condition, making it the priority medication in this scenario.

While other options like fludrocortisone do play a role in the management of Addison's disease by addressing aldosterone deficiencies, they are less critical during an acute crisis compared to the immediate need for cortisol replacement provided by hydrocortisone. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, while also corticosteroids, are not as commonly utilized for acute adrenal insufficiency situations compared to hydrocortisone, making the choice of hydrocortisone the clear priority in this context.