Author Question: A client on long-term corticosteroid therapy tells the nurse that the plan is to stop taking the ... (Read 138 times)

theo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client on long-term corticosteroid therapy tells the nurse that the plan is to stop taking the medication when the current prescription is completed. How should the nurse respond?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. You could develop nausea, vomiting, and other problems if you stop this medication abruptly.
2. Your body will not be able to produce the steroid that you need and you will become very ill.
3. Why do you plan to stop taking the medication?
4. I'm sure you know what is best for your health.
5. You will feel sick for a short while after stopping the medication, but it will go away.

Question 2

The nurse caring for a client with Cushing syndrome will prepare to administer which medications to this client?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Tapering doses of prescribed corticosteroid
2. Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
3. Fludrocortisone
4. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
5. Budesonide (Entocort-EC)

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: If the corticosteroid medication is abruptly withdrawn, symptoms of adrenal crisis will appear.
Rationale 2: If the corticosteroid medication is abruptly withdrawn, symptoms of adrenal crisis will appear.
Rationale 3: The nurse should determine the reasons for the patient's actions.
Rationale 4: This response does not address the physiologic effects that will occur if the medication is abruptly stopped.
Rationale 5: If left untreated, the symptoms will not go away, and the client may go into shock.
Global Rationale: If the corticosteroid medication is abruptly withdrawn, symptoms of adrenal crisis will appear. The nurse should determine the reasons for the patient's actions. If left untreated, the symptoms will not go away, and the client may go into shock. It does not appear that the patient knows what is best for his health.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: If the cause of Cushing syndrome is corticosteroid therapy, gradual discontinuation of this medication is a treatment option.
Rationale 2: Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has become a preferred drug for long-term therapy of Cushing syndrome because this drug rapidly blocks the synthesis of glucocorticoids, lowering serum levels.
Rationale 3: Fludrocortisone is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Rationale 4: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Rationale 5: Budesonide (Entocort-EC) is not used in the treatment of Cushing syndrome.
Global Rationale: If the cause of Cushing syndrome is corticosteroid therapy, gradual discontinuation of this medication is a treatment option. Ketoconazole (Nizoral) has become a preferred drug for long-term therapy of Cushing syndrome because this drug rapidly blocks the synthesis of glucocorticoids, lowering serum levels. The other medications are not used in treatment of Cushing syndrome.