A nurse is planning to teach a client about taking prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Take on an empty stomach.
Schedule dosage at bedtime.
Increase dietary calcium.
Monitor for weight loss.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Prednisone should generally be taken with food or after a meal to reduce the risk of gastric irritation or ulcer formation. Taking it on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers.
B. While some medications are best taken at bedtime (such as those with sedative effects), prednisone is a corticosteroid that can affect the body's circadian rhythm and may interfere with sleep. It typically causes insomnia or restlessness, so it’s usually advised to take it in the morning.
C. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) over time, especially with long-term use. One of the side effects of corticosteroid therapy is decreased calcium absorption and bone density loss, making individuals at higher risk for fractures.
D. Prednisone more commonly causes weight gain rather than weight loss. Corticosteroids increase appetite and can lead to fluid retention, both of which can result in weight gain. Additionally, prednisone can cause redistribution of fat, often leading to characteristic side effects like "moon face" or increased abdominal fat.
B. Incorrect. Prednisone is often prescribed as a single daily dose in the morning to coincide with the body's natural cortisol release.
C. Incorrect. While calcium supplementation might be necessary for some individuals on long-term prednisone therapy, it is not a primary instruction related to taking prednisone.
D. Correct. Monitoring for weight loss is important due to the potential for weight changes (both weight gain and weight loss) as a result of prednisone's effects on metabolism and appetite.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Incorrect. Obesity is not a contraindication for acupuncture.
B. Incorrect. Hypothyroidism is not a contraindication for acupuncture.
C. Incorrect. Hypertension is not a contraindication for acupuncture.
D. Correct. Herpes zoster (shingles) involves a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and can cause skin lesions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles through the skin, which could potentially worsen the condition or lead to the spread of the virus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. A metallic taste in the mouth is not a common adverse effect of sertraline.
B. Correct. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) is a potential adverse effect of sertraline and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
C. Incorrect. Increased urinary frequency is not commonly associated with sertraline.
D. Incorrect. A dry cough is not a known adverse effect of sertraline.
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