A client comes to the clinic and reports that they stopped taking their prescribed steroids early because they felt much better. What side effect should the nurse anticipate in this client?
Peripheral edema.
Low blood pressure.
Hyperglycemia.
Weight loss.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of stopping steroids early. Peripheral edema is often associated with conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Choice B rationale
Low blood pressure is a common side effect when a person stops taking steroids like prednisone abruptly. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid, a type of steroid that works to mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone that the adrenal glands produce. The body uses cortisol to regulate the heart rate and blood pressure. When a person takes prednisone for longer than a few weeks, the body reduces the amount of cortisol it makes. When a person suddenly stops taking prednisone, the body cannot immediately produce enough cortisol to make up for the missing drug. This results in withdrawal symptoms, including low blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not typically a withdrawal symptom of stopping steroids early. While long-term use of steroids can lead to increased blood sugar levels, stopping the medication does not typically cause hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Weight loss can be a symptom of steroid withdrawal, but it is not the most immediate or common symptom that would be anticipated in a client who stopped taking their prescribed steroids early. More common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and low blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
It is not advisable for a patient to discontinue radioactive iodine therapy at any time if they feel uncomfortable. Radioactive iodine therapy is a safe and effective treatment for certain types of thyroid cancer. Discontinuing the medication without medical advice could lead to ineffective treatment.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the consumption of iodine-rich foods is not necessary when a patient is prescribed radioactive iodine. The body’s thyroid cells absorb the radioactive iodine, which then destroys the cells. Consuming additional iodine would not enhance this process.
Choice C rationale
Using a straw to drink the medication is not necessary. Radioactive iodine is usually given in pill form, not as a liquid. Therefore, there is no risk of it staining the patient’s teeth.
Choice D rationale
This statement is correct. After a total thyroidectomy, the patient will no longer have thyroid tissue that can produce thyroid hormones. Therefore, the radioactive iodine will not eliminate the need for thyroid hormone replacement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While continuous pulse oximetry can provide useful information about a patient’s oxygen saturation levels, it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious, potentially life-threatening fungal infections. It does not directly affect oxygen saturation levels.
Choice B rationale
The rate at which amphotericin B is administered can be important, as the medication must be given slowly through an IV infusion, which can take from 2 to 6 hours to complete. However, setting the IV pump to deliver the medication over a specific span of time is not the most crucial step before administration.
Choice C rationale
Continuous cardiac monitoring can be important in certain situations, but it is not the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. While amphotericin B can cause some side effects related to the heart, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure, these are not typically the primary concerns before administration.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the patient’s sodium and calcium levels is the most crucial step before administering amphotericin B. Amphotericin B can cause changes in electrolyte levels, including sodium and calcium. Monitoring these levels can help prevent potential complications, making this the most crucial step before administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.