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. Informed consent means the client has the right to refuse treatment even after giving initial consent. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and decision.
B. Incorrect. This statement does not respect the client's right to make decisions about her treatment.
C. Incorrect. While this statement might be true for some individuals, it does not address the client's current hesitation and does not respect her autonomy.
D. Incorrect. This statement does not address the client's expressed hesitation about the treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Encouraging clients to establish a timeline for grieving might not be appropriate or helpful, as grief processes are individual and non-linear.
B. Correct. Coping with changes in family dynamics is a relevant topic for a support group of this nature, as suicide often brings significant family changes.
C. Incorrect. Focusing on preventing suicide is not the primary goal of this support group; coping and healing are more appropriate.
D. Incorrect. Allowing clients to share negative aspects of their relationship can promote emotional healing and understanding, which is essential in this context.
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