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. Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and is expected to improve cognitive function, including short-term memory.
B. Incorrect. Donepezil is not typically associated with changes in food intake.
C. Incorrect. While improved functional ability is a goal of treatment, performing ADLs independently might not be solely indicative of donepezil's effectiveness.
D. Incorrect. Donepezil is primarily focused on improving cognitive function rather than mood enhancement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Correct. Having regular interdisciplinary team meetings allows healthcare professionals from various disciplines to collaborate, share information, and ensure coordinated care for the client with complex needs.
B. Noting changes in the treatment plan in the client's medical record is important, but it may not directly promote effective communication among staff.
C. Recording the client's progress in the nurses' notes is essential but may not address the need for communication among the entire care team.
D. Posting swallowing precautions at the head of the client's bed is important for the client's safety but does not directly address communication among staff members.
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