Author Question: A client has been prescribed long-term corticosteroid therapy. What should the nurse instruct the ... (Read 27 times)

cartlidgeashley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client has been prescribed long-term corticosteroid therapy. What should the nurse instruct the client about the potential effects of this medication regimen?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Have the blood glucose level checked frequently.
2. Avoid crowds and being around others with respiratory infections.
3. Avoid falling or any other type of injury to the bones.
4. Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables.
5. Increase the daily intake of fiber.

Question 2

What should a client receiving lifelong therapy with corticosteroids be instructed to report immediately to the health care provider?

1. A change in prescription bottles
2. A change in health insurance plans
3. Cravings for sweet or salty foods
4. Weight gain of over 2 pounds in one day

kristenb95 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Corticosteroids increase the level of blood glucose, leading to hyperglycemia.
Rationale 2: Corticosteroids suppress the immune response.
Rationale 3: Corticosteroids increase the breakdown of bony matrix, resulting in bone demineralization.
Rationale 4: Corticosteroids do not deplete the body of the nutrients provided by green leafy vegetables.
Rationale 5: Corticosteroids do not cause constipation.
Global Rationale: Corticosteroids increase the level of blood glucose, leading to hyperglycemia. They also suppress the immune system and increase breakdown of bony matrix. They do not deplete the body of nutrients found in green leafy vegetables or cause constipation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: A change in prescription bottles could occur. This should be checked with the pharmacy dispensing the medication.
Rationale 2: A change in health insurance does not need to be reported to the health care provider immediately.
Rationale 3: Cravings for sweet or salty foods do not need to be reported to the health care provider.
Rationale 4: Weight gain of over 2 pounds per day should be reported immediately to the health care provider.
Global Rationale: Weight gain of over 2 pounds per day should be reported immediately to the health care provider as this finding likely reflects fluid retention. A change in prescription bottles could occur. This should be checked with the pharmacy dispensing the medication. A change in health insurance does not need to be reported to the health care provider immediately any more than for any other condition. Cravings for sweet or salty foods do not need to be reported to the health care provider.