In primary adrenal insufficiency, what statement should the nurse make to the patient?

In primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, the body's adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and often aldosterone as well. This condition is chronic and typically requires lifelong management. The correct statement to the patient emphasizes the necessity of continuous hormonal replacement therapy, specifically corticosteroids, to compensate for the deficiencies caused by the inadequate adrenal function.

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency must understand that while they can lead healthy lives with appropriate treatment, they will need to adhere to a lifelong regimen of hormone replacement to maintain normal physiological functions and avoid serious complications, such as adrenal crisis. This approach to management helps mitigate symptoms and regulate the body's metabolic processes that are affected by the lack of adrenal hormones.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of primary adrenal insufficiency—it's neither temporary nor can it be managed without medication therapy. Additionally, the body cannot adjust to a significant hormonal deficiency in this context, as the adrenal glands are unable to produce the necessary hormones.