A male client reports to the nurse that he is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) distress from a high dose of a corticosteroid and is planning to stop taking the medication. In response to the client's statement, which nursing action is most important for the nurse to Implement?
Assess the client for other indications of adverse effects of corticosteroid use.
Advise the client that the medication should be stopped gradually rather than abruptly.
Encourage the client to take the medication with food to decrease Gl distress.
Review the client's dosing schedule to ensure he is taking the prescribed amount.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Assess the client for other indications of adverse effects of corticosteroid use: While important, this action does not address the immediate issue of stopping the medication safely.
B. Advise the client that the medication should be stopped gradually rather than abruptly: Corticosteroids should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering is necessary to safely discontinue the medication.
C. Encourage the client to take the medication with food to decrease GI distress: This can help manage GI symptoms but does not address the issue of safely discontinuing the medication.
D. Review the client's dosing schedule to ensure he is taking the prescribed amount: This is useful but does not resolve the problem of safely stopping the medication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Withhold the medication until the client’s breakfast tray is available on the unit: Withholding the medication until food is available is not necessary, as risedronate should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with the medication's effectiveness.
B. Consult with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats: This option is not suitable as risedronate should be taken on an empty stomach, and delaying the dose until after eating would compromise the medication's effectiveness.
C. Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication: Risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. Milk or other beverages can interfere with the absorption of risedronate.
D. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low-fat milk: This is not appropriate, as risedronate should be taken with water only to ensure proper absorption. Milk can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Hypertension: Phenytoin is primarily used to manage seizures, and hypertension is not a common side effect associated with its use. While monitoring blood pressure is important for overall health, it is not specifically indicated for detecting common side effects of phenytoin.
B) Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is not a typical side effect of phenytoin. Common side effects are usually related to oral health and skin changes rather than fluid retention or swelling in the extremities.
C) Hematuria: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not commonly associated with phenytoin use. This side effect is more relevant to other medications or conditions, and while monitoring for overall health changes is important, it is not a primary concern with phenytoin.
D) Gingival hyperplasia: Phenytoin is well-known for causing gingival hyperplasia, which is the overgrowth of gum tissue. This is a common and notable side effect of long-term phenytoin use, making it important for the nurse to assess for this symptom in clients receiving the medication.
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