PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam 2025 - Free Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Study Guide

Withdrawal from prednisone is likely to precipitate an adrenal crisis due to its effects on the adrenal glands and the body's hormone regulation. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that, when taken for an extended period, suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to decreased production of natural corticosteroids by the adrenal glands.

When a patient abruptly stops taking prednisone after long-term use, the adrenal glands may not be able to respond quickly enough to meet the body's metabolic demands, especially during stress. This can lead to an adrenal crisis, a serious condition characterized by severe hypotension, hypoglycemia, and potentially life-threatening symptoms.

The other medications listed do not have the same impact on the adrenal glands or are not associated with such critical withdrawal symptoms. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure, methimazole is used for hyperthyroidism, and furosemide is a diuretic. None of these directly influence adrenal hormone production, making them less likely to cause an adrenal crisis upon withdrawal.