Author Question: A client is being started on corticosteroid replacement therapy. What should the nurse teach the ... (Read 88 times)

Metfan725 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is being started on corticosteroid replacement therapy. What should the nurse teach the client about taking this medication?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Go to your pharmacy to get annual influenza immunization and a varicella vaccine.
2. Restrict your salt intake.
3. Take vitamin D supplements as prescribed.
4. Do not stop taking this medication.
5. Stop taking this medication if you have headaches, confusion, or insomnia.

Question 2

Which client statements indicate that teaching about corticosteroid replacement therapy has been effective?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. I should take this medication with food.
2. I should avoid alcohol when taking this medication.
3. I should keep appointments with my health care provider for follow-up blood work.
4. I can stop taking this medication if I feel funny or sick.
5. I will need to drink more water with this medication because it makes me lose water.

k2629 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 1: Clients taking corticosteroids should discuss vaccination with their health care provider, as some vaccines should be avoided in some patients.
Rationale 2: There is a risk of fluid retention with this medication. By restricting sodium, the amount of fluid retained can be reduced.
Rationale 3: Because of the risk of osteoporosis, the client should be instructed to take vitamin D supplements as prescribed.
Rationale 4: The client should be instructed to not abruptly stop taking this medication.
Rationale 5: These are expected adverse reactions to the medication. The client should not be instructed to abruptly stop taking this medication.
Global Rationale: There is a risk of fluid retention with this medication. By restricting sodium, the amount of fluid retained can be reduced. Because of the risk of osteoporosis, the client should be instructed to take vitamin D supplements as prescribed. The client should be instructed to not abruptly stop taking this medication. Clients taking corticosteroids should discuss vaccination with their health care provider as some vaccines should be avoided in some patients. The patient should report headaches, confusion or insomnia, but should not stop taking the medication.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Corticosteroid therapy can cause gastrointestinal irritation and should be taken with food.
Rationale 2: Alcohol can exacerbate the gastrointestinal irritation caused by this medication and should be avoided.
Rationale 3: This medication affects blood glucose, electrolytes, and white blood cell counts. The client will need to have periodic serum laboratory studies done.
Rationale 4: This medication should not be stopped abruptly.
Rationale 5: This medication can cause fluid retention, not fluid depletion.
Global Rationale: Corticosteroid therapy can cause gastrointestinal irritation and should be taken with food. Alcohol can exacerbate the gastrointestinal irritation caused by this medication and should be avoided. This medication affects blood glucose, electrolytes, and white blood cell counts. The client will need to have periodic serum laboratory studies done. This medication should not be stopped abruptly. This medication can cause fluid retention, not fluid depletion.