During an adrenal crisis, what happens to blood pressure?

In an adrenal crisis, the body's ability to produce sufficient cortisol is severely compromised. Cortisol is crucial for maintaining vascular tone, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the body's response to stress. When cortisol levels drop, as in an adrenal crisis, there is a resultant decrease in blood pressure. This drop can become significant and potentially life-threatening, leading to symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and even shock.

The physiological response involves vasodilation, where blood vessels widen, contributing to the decline in systemic vascular resistance, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Without adequate cortisol, the body struggles to maintain normal blood pressure levels, resulting in a significant drop that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, option B is correct as it accurately reflects the critical changes in blood pressure experienced during an adrenal crisis.