If a client with Addison's disease abruptly stops cortisone therapy, what indicators might the nurse expect?

When a client with Addison's disease abruptly stops cortisone therapy, the body can experience an adrenal crisis due to the sudden deficiency of cortisol. This situation is critical, as patients with Addison's have impaired adrenal function and rely on exogenous sources of cortisols, such as cortisone, to maintain homeostasis.

Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are typical indicators of stress on the body and signify an adrenal crisis, which can occur due to insufficient cortisol levels. In this state, the body may struggle to regulate its cardiovascular functions, leading to a decreased blood pressure as the vascular tone diminishes. Additionally, the body may respond with tachypnea as it attempts to compensate for decreased perfusion and oxygenation.

These physiological responses underscore the importance of adequate adrenal hormone replacement and the risks associated with an abrupt withdrawal of therapy for individuals with Addison's disease. Monitoring for such signs is crucial for the timely management of potential adrenal crises.