The 2-year-old patient with asthma is placed on a short-term dose ...

[jake]

The 2-year-old patient with asthma is placed on a short-term dose of prednisone. What important instruction will the nurse provide the patient about this drug?
 
  A) Increase intake of carbohydrates.
  B) The child may receive immunizations while on this drug.
  C) Do not stop this medication suddenly; you will have to taper dosage gradually.
  D) Reduce intake of protein until drug therapy is complete.

Question 2

To decrease sympathetic stimulation in balanced anesthesia type of what agent would be used?
 
  A) Antihistamines
  B) Antiemetics
  C) Narcotics
  D) Sedative-hypnotics

[kishoreddi]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Prednisone is usually ordered for short-term use with tapering dosage. It is important to instruct the parent to taper doses and to not just stop the drug suddenly when discontinuing from high doses so as to give the adrenal glands a chance to recover and produce adrenocorticoids. This is the priority instruction. Parents should also be told to wait to get the child immunizations until after drug therapy is completed. There is no need to alter carbohydrate or protein intake.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
Sedative-hypnotics relax the patient, facilitate amnesia, and decrease sympathetic stimulation. Antihistamines decrease the chance of allergic reaction and help dry secretions. Antiemetics decrease the nausea and vomiting associated with gastrointestinal (GI) depression. Narcotics aid in the analgesic and sedative effects.

[jake]

Thank you!

[kishoreddi]

Always glad to help...