Author Question: A nurse is discussing glucocorticoids with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student ... (Read 82 times)

kwoodring · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is discussing glucocorticoids with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student indicates understanding of the teaching?

a. Glucocorticoids have both endocrine and nonendocrine uses.
b. Patients treated for adrenocortical insufficiency receive pharmacologic doses.
c. Pharmacologic effects are achieved with low doses of glucocorticoids.
d. Physiologic doses are used to treat inflammatory disorders.

Question 2

A nurse tells a nursing student that the glucocorticoids given for rheumatoid arthritis are nearly identical to substances produced naturally by the body. The student remarks that the drug must be very safe. Which response by the nurse is correct?

a. As long as the drug is taken as prescribed, side effects usually do not occur.
b. By interrupting the inflammatory process, these drugs inhibit side effects.
c. Side effects can occur and are dependent on the dose and duration of treatment.
d. The negative feedback loop prevents side effects.

sarah_brady415 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Glucocorticoids have applications for both endocrine and nonendocrine disorders. Adrenocortical insufficiency requires physiologic, or low-dose, treatment. Pharmacologic doses are used when large doses are required, such as to suppress inflammation. Physiologic doses are used to treat endocrine disorders.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
When taken in pharmacologic doses, as for inflammatory disorders, glucocorticoids can cause an array of serious adverse effects. When glucocorticoids are given in pharmacologic doses, side effects can occur even when the drugs are taken as prescribed. Interruption of the inflammatory process causes some of the adverse effects. The negative feedback loop does not inhibit side effects.