A patient is receiving hydrocortisone 40 mg PO daily for ...

[clmills979]

A patient is receiving hydrocortisone 40 mg PO daily for treatment of severe autoimmune inflammation. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important to implement?
 
  A) Increase dietary sodium.
  B) Limit dietary protein.
  C) Assess BUN and creatinine regularly.
  D) Implement infection control measures.

Question 2

A patient with coronary artery disease is prescribed nitroglycerin ointment. When teaching the patient to safely administer this medication, the nurse should convey which of the following instructions?
 
  A) The backs of your hands and the tops of your feet are ideal sites for applying the ointment.
  B) Make sure you squeeze the ointment on to a paper measuring scale before applying it.
  C) Massage the ointment into your skin for 10 to 15 seconds after applying it.
  D) Don't apply the ointment unless you're experiencing chest pain at the time.

[tranoy]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
Corticosteroids create a risk for infection due to immune suppression; infection control measures are a priority. When taking hydrocortisone daily, the patient should limit dietary sodium due to fluid retention. The patient should maintain a diet high in protein. The patient should not alter fluid intake unless the patient shows signs of fluid volume overload. Renal function may or may not be an assessment priority.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Application of nitroglycerin ointment requires using the dose-measuring application papers supplied with ointment. It is necessary to squeeze the ointment onto a measuring scale printed on paper. The ointment should be applied onto a nonhairy area of skin; distal extremities should be avoided. The area should not be massaged.

[clmills979]

Thank you!

[tranoy]

Always glad to help...