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":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
A. Administer oxytocin. (This is unanticipated as the client is experiencing contractions, and oxytocin might not be needed at this point.)
D. Limit fluid intake to 3,000 mL/day. (Fluid restriction might not be necessary based on the provided notes.)
F. Place client in supine position. (The supine position is generally avoided during pregnancy due to potential compression of the vena cava.)
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Referring the adolescent to a mental health clinic is not the primary action to address her concerns about affording and caring for her baby.
B. Incorrect. Advising adoption might not be appropriate if the adolescent wants to explore options for keeping and caring for her baby.
C. Incorrect. Contacting the adolescent's parent for assistance may not be feasible or appropriate if the adolescent's situation does not allow for parental involvement.
D. Correct. Assisting the adolescent in applying for Medicaid is a practical step to help her access financial assistance for her pregnancy-related care and the care of her baby.
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