Following a bilateral adrenalectomy, what medication should nurses anticipate being prescribed?

After a bilateral adrenalectomy, it is essential for the patient to receive replacement therapy for the hormones that the adrenal glands no longer produce. One of the primary functions of the adrenal glands is to secrete glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol. When the adrenal glands are removed, cortisol levels drop significantly, which can lead to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure.

Hydrocortisone is a synthetic form of cortisol and is used to replace the missing hormone, thus helping maintain normal metabolic functions and allowing the body to respond to stress. Administering hydrocortisone after a bilateral adrenalectomy is crucial to prevent adrenal crisis and manage the patient’s overall health after the procedure.

Other medications listed serve different purposes: pantoprazole is used to reduce stomach acid, propranolol is a beta-blocker typically prescribed for heart conditions and anxiety, and propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism. None of these medications would address the hormonal deficiencies resulting from the removal of the adrenal glands, making hydrocortisone the most appropriate choice.