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 A
Explanation
A. Correct. In cases where the client is unable to provide informed consent due to incapacitation, the health care surrogate or legally authorized representative should be involved in the decision-making process.
B. Incorrect. While family support is important, the decision for surgery should primarily be based on medical necessity and the best interests of the client.
C. Incorrect. Determining medical necessity is the responsibility of the medical team, not the nurse.
D. Incorrect. Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the risk manager is not a standard nursing responsibility and does not address the issue of informed consent.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A butterfly needle is not typically used for accessing implanted ports.
B. An angiocatheter is not typically used for accessing implanted ports.
C. A 25-gauge needle might be too small for accessing an implanted port.
D. Correct. A noncoring needle (Huber needle) is specifically designed for accessing implanted venous access ports to minimize damage to the port septum and prevent leakage.
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