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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Jaw pain in a client taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis may be a sign of a rare but serious side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Therefore, the nurse should respond by: Report the client's jaw pain to the healthcare provider.

Jaw pain can be an indication of ONJ, a condition characterized by the death of jawbone tissue. It is important to notify the healthcare provider so that further evaluation and appropriate management can be initiated. The healthcare provider will determine the best course of action, which may include referral to a specialist for further assessment and treatment.

Determining how the client is administering the medication is not the immediate concern in this situation. While it is important to ensure that the client is following proper administration instructions for alendronate, addressing the jaw pain takes precedence. Advising the client to gargle with warm salt water twice daily may not be sufficient or appropriate for managing jaw pain related to alendronate use. The client needs a comprehensive assessment by the healthcare provider to determine the cause of the jaw pain and provide appropriate interventions.

Confirming that jaw pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis is not accurate. While osteoporosis can lead to bone pain, jaw pain specifically associated with bisphosphonate use is more likely to be related to ONJ and requires further evaluation and management.

A. Take a bubble bath after intercourse. B. Drink four 240 mL (8 oz) glasses of water each day. C. Wear loose-fitting underwear. D. Void every 5 to 6 hr during the day.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Bubble baths can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and should be avoided, especially after intercourse.
B. Drinking plenty of water is beneficial for urinary tract health, but a specific amount (four glasses) may not be necessary for all individuals.
C. Correct. Wearing loose-fitting underwear allows better airflow and decreases moisture, reducing the risk of UTIs.
D. Voiding every 5 to 6 hours is a general guideline for healthy bladder habits, but it may not directly prevent recurrent UTIs.

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A nurse is planning to teach a client about taking prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A female client is taking alendronate, a bisphosphonate, for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The client tells the nurse that she is experiencing jaw pain. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a female client who has recurrent urinary tract infections. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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