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

In the management of Addison's disease, a daily medication that is commonly administered is hydrocortisone. This synthetic glucocorticoid serves to replace the cortisol that the body is unable to produce due to adrenal insufficiency. Patients with Addison's disease have a deficiency in adrenal hormones, primarily cortisol, which is crucial for various bodily functions including metabolism, immune response, and stress management.

While prednisone is another corticosteroid used for similar indications, hydrocortisone is more closely aligned with the natural hormone that would normally be secreted by the adrenal glands. Additionally, the typical regimen often includes a mineralocorticoid, like fludrocortisone, to help regulate electrolytes and maintain blood pressure.

Understanding the pharmacological profiles of these agents, along with their roles in the body, is essential for effective treatment of Addison's disease, ensuring that patients can manage their condition and lead healthy lives.