What should the nurse include in a teaching plan for a mother of ...

[littleanan]

What should the nurse include in a teaching plan for a mother of a toddler who will be taking prednisone for several months?
 
  a. The medication should be taken between meals.
  b. The medication needs to be discontinued because of the risks associated with long-term usage.
  c. The medication should not be stopped ab-ruptly.
  d. The medication may lower blood glucose so the mother needs to observe the child for signs of hypoglycemia.

Question 2

Which recommendation by the nurse is appropriate for a mother who has a preschool child who refuses to take the medications for HIV infection?
 
  a. Mix medications with chocolate syrup or follow with chocolate candy.
  b. Mix the medications with milk or an essential food.
  c. Skip the dose of medication if the child protests too much.
  d. Mix the medication in a syringe, hold the child down firmly, and administer the medication.

[ilianabrrr]

Answer to Question 1

C
The dosage must be tapered before the drug is discontinued to allow the gradual return of function in the pituitary-adrenal axis. Prednisone should be taken with food to minimize or prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. Although there are adverse effects from long-term steroid use, the medication must not be discontinued without consulting a physician. Acute adrenal insufficiency can occur if the medication is withdrawn abruptly. The dosage needs to be tapered. The medication puts the child at risk for hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.

Answer to Question 2

A
Liquid forms of HIV medications may be foul tasting or have a gritty texture. Chocolate would help to make these foods more palatable and is liked by most children. Medications should be mixed with nonessential foods. Doses of medication should never be skipped. Fighting with the child or using force should be avoided. A nonessential food that will make the taste of the medication more palatable for the child should be the correct action. The administration of medications for the child with HIV becomes part of the family's everyday routine for years.

[littleanan]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[kthug]

TYSM