A client is admitted with acute adrenal crisis. During the intake assessment, the nurse can expect to find that the client has: A. Low blood pressure B. Slow, regular pulse C. Warm, flushed skin D. Increased urination

Acute adrenal crisis, also known as adrenal insufficiency or Addisonian crisis, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. This hormone helps regulate blood pressure, stress responses, and several other bodily functions. In an acute adrenal crisis, patients exhibit specific symptoms as their body struggles to cope with low cortisol levels.

Now, let's examine each option and determine which symptom is most in line with an acute adrenal crisis. A. Low blood pressure: Cortisol deficiency can lead to low blood pressure as it affects the body's ability to maintain steady blood pressure levels during the crisis. This is a possibility, and we'll keep it for now. B. Slow, regular pulse: While it may seem plausible at first, this symptom does not align with the typical presentation of an acute adrenal crisis. Patients in an adrenal crisis often experience a rapid, weak pulse due to fluid loss and low blood pressure. C. Warm, flushed skin: This is not a common symptom of an acute adrenal crisis. Patients in crisis usually exhibit pale, cool, and clammy skin because of low blood flow and low blood pressure. D. Increased urination: This symptom is not related to an acute adrenal crisis. In fact, adrenal insufficiency can result in dehydration and reduced urine output due to excessive fluid loss.

After examining each option, we can conclude that the correct answer is: A. Low blood pressure This symptom aligns with the common symptoms of an acute adrenal crisis caused by cortisol deficiency, which affects the body's ability to maintain steady blood pressure levels.