Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

What is a classic sign of acute adrenal insufficiency?

1. Abdominal pain

2. Bluish-black discolorations of the mucous membranes

3. Profound bradycardia

4. Severe headache

The correct answer is: Abdominal pain

In the context of acute adrenal insufficiency, abdominal pain is a classic sign due to the body's physiological response to stress. When there is an insufficient production of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, the body cannot adequately respond to stressors, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain. This discomfort can be a direct result of adrenal insufficiency affecting various systems in the body, including gastrointestinal distress. The body’s inability to mount an adequate stress response can also lead to general malaise, nausea, and pain, particularly in the abdomen. Other symptoms associated with acute adrenal insufficiency may include fatigue, hypotension, and sometimes altered mental status; however, abdominal pain is notably prominent and highlights the impacts on both endocrine regulation and visceral sensations.