Author Question: The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral corticosteroids ... (Read 103 times)

joblessjake · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which information that is true for children?

a. Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth.
b. Frequent use of this drug may lead to a decreased response.
c. A hypersensitivity reaction to this drug may occur.
d. Systemic steroids are more toxic in child-ren.

Question 2

A patient who has been taking 25 mg of hydrocortisone each morning for several months reports feeling fatigued late in the day each day. What will the nurse tell the patient to discuss with the provider?

a. Adding a mineralocorticoid to the drug regimen
b. Assessing serum electrolytes to check for toxicity
c. Increasing the dose to 50 mg daily
d. Splitting the daily dose into a morning and an afternoon dose

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

Answer to Question 1

A
A specific age-related reaction to a drug is growth suppression caused by glucocorticoids. Child-ren with asthma may need these from time to time for acute exacerbations, but chronic use is not recommended. None of the other three effects occurs in either adults or children.

Answer to Question 2

D
Patients generally take hydrocortisone once daily in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol release cycle. However, some patients develop fatigue late in the day. These patients may split the daily dose, taking two-thirds in the morning and one-third in the afternoon or early evening. Mineralocorticoids are given to maintain intravascular volume and regulate sodium, potassium, and hydrogen, so adding this drug would not help with fatigue. Fatigue is not a sign of steroid toxicity. Increasing the dose is not indicated.