Where it is
On the upper pole of each kidney, in the retroperitoneum.
What it does
Cortex: cortisol (glucose, stress, inflammation), aldosterone (sodium and water retention, potassium loss) and androgens. Medulla: epinephrine and norepinephrine for the fight-or-flight response.
Clinical relevance
- Stopping long-term steroids suddenly can trigger adrenal crisis (shock).
- Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the medulla, causes episodes of severe hypertension, headache and sweating.
Nursing focus
- Teach clients on long-term steroids to taper as prescribed and to carry medical identification.
- Do not palpate the abdomen of a client with suspected pheochromocytoma.