A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving acetaminophen for mild pain.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

Choice A rationale:

Prednisone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. In fact, taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.

Choice B rationale:

Prednisone suppresses the immune system, which can make users more susceptible to infections. Therefore, reporting symptoms like a sore throat to the provider is important.

Choice C rationale:

Prednisone can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, so increasing sodium intake would not be advisable.

Choice D rationale:

Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone due to increased appetite and fluid retention. Weight loss is not typically expected.

Choice A rationale:

Pinching the tube while connecting the syringe to it could potentially damage the tube and does not aid in medication administration.

Choice B rationale:

Elevating the head of the client’s bed to only 10° may increase the risk of aspiration. The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 30° during medication administration and for at least an hour afterward.

Choice C rationale:

Flushing the tube with normal saline following medication administration helps ensure that all medication has been administered and helps maintain tube patency.

Choice D rationale:

Combining crushed medications together in a single syringe can lead to drug interactions and can also increase the risk of tube clogging. Each medication should be administered separately.