Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What condition may a patient taking Prednisone experience in an emergency situation?

1. Heart failure

2. Adrenal crisis

3. Severe allergic reaction

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Adrenal crisis

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is often prescribed to help manage inflammation and suppress the immune system. One of the significant concerns when a patient is on Prednisone, especially for a prolonged period, is the potential for an adrenal crisis, particularly in emergency situations. Corticosteroids like Prednisone suppress the body’s natural production of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a critical role in the body's response to stress. If a patient suddenly stops taking Prednisone or is subjected to physical stress (such as surgery, trauma, or infection) without sufficient steroid coverage, their body may not be able to produce enough cortisol to respond to that stress. This can lead to symptoms of adrenal crisis, which may include severe fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. This possibility makes it crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of a patient's steroid use history and to manage their treatment appropriately to prevent adrenal insufficiency. Recognizing the risk of an adrenal crisis allows for timely intervention, which is pivotal in emergency circumstances.