49) ANSWER

B. Blood is drawn at baseline, 30 minutes and 60 minutes after ACTH administration

RATIONALE

•First, cortisol and ACTH levels are drawn at baseline. Next, the nurse administers synthetic ACTH, I.V. Finally, cortisol and ACTH levels should be drawn at 30 minutes and 60 minutes after ACTH administration.

•ACTH stimulation test is used to assess the adrenal glands response to stress. This is used to help diagnose or exclude Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency.