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
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: “What are the voices telling you?” This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client’s immediate concern. The nurse is acknowledging the client’s experience and seeking to understand more about it. This can help the nurse assess the potential for harm to the client or others, as the voices may be instructing the client to engage in dangerous behaviors.
Choice B rationale: “Have you taken your medication today?” While medication adherence is important in managing schizophrenia, this response does not address the client’s immediate concern about hearing voices. It may also come across as dismissive of the client’s experience.
Choice C rationale: “I realize the voices are real to you, but I don’t hear anything.” This response validates the client’s experience, but it does not gather further information about what the voices are saying, which is crucial for assessing safety.
Choice D rationale: “How long have you been hearing the voices?” While this question is relevant for understanding the client’s history and the progression of their illness, it is not the priority response. The immediate concern should be what the voices are saying to assess for potential harm.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. A pale appearance and fluid deficit of 30 mL over 24 hours might require intervention but is not as critical as sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes.
B. Correct. Sunken fontanels and dry mucous membranes are signs of dehydration, a potential complication of gastroenteritis. These findings should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
C. Incorrect. A slightly elevated temperature and an increased pulse rate are common responses to infection and fever in infants.
D. Incorrect. Decreased appetite and irritability can be expected in infants with gastroenteritis and are not as concerning as signs of dehydration.
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