A male client is diagnosed with Addison's disease. What daily medication would the nurse expect to be administered?

In the management of Addison's disease, a primary concern is the inadequate production of adrenal hormones due to adrenal insufficiency. The correct medication for daily administration in this case would typically be hydrocortisone, as it replaces cortisol, which is deficient in patients with Addison's. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that plays a critical role in various physiological functions, including metabolism, immune response, and stress response.

Fludrocortisone, while it is also used in the treatment of Addison's disease, primarily serves to replace mineralocorticoids, particularly aldosterone, which is necessary for sodium retention and potassium excretion. It is often used in combination with hydrocortisone rather than as a standalone daily medication.

Prednisone and dexamethasone are other glucocorticoids that have similar effects to hydrocortisone. However, they are generally not the first line in treating Addison's disease. Dexamethasone is often used in specific situations where a longer-acting glucocorticoid is needed, but for daily replacement therapy in Addison's disease, hydrocortisone is preferred due to its short-acting properties and closer mimicry of the natural diurnal rhythm of cortisol release.