A client has been on daily, high-dose prednisone therapy to treat an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. His prescription runs out before his next paycheck. He decides to skip his prednisone for a few days. What is likely to happen to this patient when he abruptly stops taking prednisone?

He will become hyperglycemic.

le will become hypotensive.

He will retain excess fluid.

He can safely pause prednisone for a few days.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   The immediate concern with abrupt cessation is more related to adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia. However, chronic use of prednisone can contribute to glucose intolerance and diabetes, but this is not the primary issue with sudden discontinuation.
B.   Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency because the body has become reliant on the medication to suppress inflammation and regulate various bodily functions. The adrenal glands may not immediately resume normal cortisol production, which can lead to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including hypotension.

C.   Fluid retention is a common side effect of prednisone use. However, stopping prednisone suddenly does not typically cause fluid retention; rather, it can lead to other issues like adrenal insufficiency. Fluid retention is more related to the medication's use rather than its abrupt discontinuation.
D.   Abruptly stopping high-dose prednisone, especially after long-term use, can be dangerous. The body may not immediately resume normal cortisol production, leading to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and hypotension. It is crucial to taper off prednisone gradually under medical supervision to allow the adrenal glands time to recover and to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not a contagious disease. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. GBS is not spread through respiratory droplets or any other form of infection transmission.
B. Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes demyelination in the peripheral nervous system, not the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, whereas the peripheral nervous system comprises the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not a genetic disorder. It is considered an autoimmune condition that can be triggered by an infection or other environmental factors. While there may be genetic predispositions that affect susceptibility to autoimmune conditions, GBS itself is not classified as a genetic disorder.
D. Guillain-Barre Syndrome primarily affects the peripheral nervous system. It involves an immune- mediated attack on the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling, and loss of reflexes.

A. Instruct the client on pursed-lip breathing B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position C. Apply a high-frequency chest wall oscillation vest D. Determine the client's FEV1/FVC ratio

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pursed-lip breathing is an effective technique for managing COPD symptoms, particularly tachypnea and dyspnea. It helps to keep the airways open by creating back pressure that prevents the collapse of bronchioles and reduces air-trapping. This technique improves ventilation and helps with the expiration of trapped air, making it a valuable intervention for COPD patients.
B. The Trendelenburg position involves lying flat on the back with the legs elevated higher than the head. This position is not suitable for managing COPD symptoms and can actually worsen breathing difficulties by increasing abdominal pressure on the diaphragm.
C. High-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vests are used to help with airway clearance in conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic bronchitis by loosening mucus. While beneficial for mucus management, they do not specifically address bronchiolar collapse or air-trapping associated with COPD.
D. Measuring the FEV1/FVC ratio is a diagnostic tool used to assess the severity of airflow obstruction in COPD. While this information is important for diagnosis and treatment planning, it is not an immediate intervention to manage symptoms such as tachypnea and dyspnea.

View Question and Answer

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

A client has been on daily, high-dose prednisone therapy to treat an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. His prescription runs out before his next paycheck. He decides to skip his prednisone for a few days. What is likely to happen to this patient when he abruptly stops taking prednisone?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse educator is providing an educational in-service about various neurological disorders. Which statement should be included when teaching about Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing tachypnea and dyspnea. The nurse should plan to implement which of the following interventions to reduce bronchiolar collapse and air-trapping?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing the results of the client's echocardiogram and observes that the ejection fraction is 30%. Which lab result would the nurse expect to be elevated for a client with this ejection fraction?

A client has been on daily, high-dose prednisone therapy to treat an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. His prescription runs out before his next paycheck. He decides to skip his prednisone for a few days. What is likely to happen to this patient when he abruptly stops taking prednisone?

A nurse is caring for a client who has shortness of breath and a chronic cough. The client has smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for the last 20 years. Which finding on the client's chest x-ray would be consistent with a diagnosis of advanced COPD?

A nurse in an emergency department (ED) is admitting a client. Exhibits Select the 3 orders that the nurse should expect for this client.

A nurse is caring for a client with an acute heart failure exacerbation. Which of the following medications are commonly prescribed to manage heart failure? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Despite medication therapy, the client's platelet count remains low. Which of the following procedures would reduce the destruction of platelets for a client who has ITP?

Which medication is commonly used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis?

A nurse is caring for a 43-year-old female client who reports abdominal pain. Exhibits For each potential provider's order, click to specify if the potential order is anticipated or contraindicated for this client.