Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the primary treatment for Addison's Disease or adrenal crisis?

1. Radioactive iodine

2. Thyroid hormone therapy

3. Corticosteroid replacement therapy

4. Insulin therapy

The correct answer is: Corticosteroid replacement therapy

Corticosteroid replacement therapy is the primary treatment for Addison's Disease or adrenal crisis because this condition is characterized by the insufficient production of cortisol due to adrenal gland dysfunction. Cortisol is a crucial hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress reactions. In patients with Addison's Disease, the body cannot produce adequate amounts of cortisol, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and an inability to respond appropriately to stress. During an adrenal crisis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening situation, there is an urgent need for cortisol due to the body's inability to manage stressors. Corticosteroid replacement therapy restores the necessary levels of cortisol, helping to stabilize the patient and alleviate the acute symptoms associated with both Addison's Disease and adrenal crisis. Other treatment options listed do not address the underlying hormonal deficiency present in Addison's Disease, making them unsuitable and ineffective for this specific condition.