title: An overview of the nursing issues involved in caring for a child with adrenal insufficiency.
abstract: Adrenal insufficiency is an endocrine condition defined as the inadequate production or action of glucocorticoids, principally a steroid hormone called cortisol. While rare in childhood, it carries the risk of adrenal crisis in the event of a child becoming unwell as a result of intercurrent illness, injury or surgery. Children's nurses must be vigilant in caring for a child with adrenal insufficiency and have a clear understanding and awareness of the principles of emergency management at home and in hospital.
authors.affiliation: Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: Sinéad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Moloney
authors.affiliation: Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: Nuala
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: King's College London.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Collin
mesh_terms: D000224:Addison Disease / Q000451:nursing; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009736:Nursing Process; D010371:Pediatric Nursing
keywords: adrenal crisis; adrenal insufficiency; child health; hydrocortisone; nursing care; paediatrics; parental education