What conclusion can be inferred if a client shows elevated cortisol levels after administration of cosyntropin?

If a client demonstrates elevated cortisol levels following the administration of cosyntropin, it suggests that the client's adrenal glands are functioning normally. Cosyntropin is a synthetic form of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. When cortisol levels increase in response to cosyntropin, this indicates that the adrenal glands are capable of responding adequately to hormonal stimulation.

In cases of adrenal insufficiency, one would expect the cortisol levels to remain low or not increase significantly after cosyntropin administration, as the adrenal glands are not functioning properly to produce cortisol. Similarly, experiencing an adrenal crisis would be reflected by critical outcomes like severely low cortisol levels rather than an increase. An underactive adrenal gland would also fail to produce sufficient cortisol in response to ACTH stimulation, leading to low or unchanged levels. Thus, elevated cortisol levels post-cosyntropin administration confirm that the adrenal glands are active and responding appropriately to stimulation, indicating normal adrenocortical function.