The nurse is caring for a patient receiving long-term ...

[bclement10]

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has 1+ pitting edema of the lower extremities.
 
  What instruction provided by the nurse would be most appropriate for this patient?
  a. Augment your diet with calcium supplements.
  b. Restrict your sodium intake.
  c. Take the glucocorticoid every 3 to 4 days instead of daily.
  d. Discontinue the glucocorticoid.

Question 2

The prescriber orders 20 mg of hydrocortisone orally once each day. The nurse should administer the drug at what time?
 
  a. 0800
  b. 1200
  c. 1600
  d. 2100

[jasonq]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The patient should be advised to restrict sodium intake to prevent the retention of fluid associated with glucocorticoid therapy.
There is no need to augment the diet with calcium supplements, because there is no indication that the patient is calcium deficient.
Glucocorticoids must be taken on a daily basis, preferably at the same time each day.
The medication should never be abruptly discontinued; it should be tapered to prevent insult to the adrenals.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
To allow the adrenals to recover, the doses should be administered prior to 0900 in the morning.
These times are incorrect for oral administration of daily hydrocortisone.

[bclement10]

Excellent

[Hdosisshsbshs]

TYSM