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 C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Ensuring the device inspection sticker is current is important but not the first action to take when there's a potential safety issue.
B. Incorrect. Reporting the defect is important, but immediate action to ensure client safety should come first.
C. Correct. The nurse's first priority should be ensuring client safety. Removing the device from the room prevents any potential harm from using the device with a frayed cord.
D. Incorrect. Initiating a requisition for a replacement is important, but immediate action to ensure safety is a higher priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Securing the tracheostomy tube with ties is important, but this is a task that should be performed by healthcare professionals initially. It is not typically part of discharge teaching.
B. Incorrect. Changing the tracheostomy dressing using clean technique is also an essential skill but may not be suitable for discharge teaching. The partner should be educated on monitoring the stoma site and recognizing signs of infection or complications.
C. Correct. Teaching the partner how to operate the portable suction machine is crucial for maintaining a patent airway. Suctioning is often necessary to clear mucus and secretions from the tracheostomy tube, especially when the client is at home.
D. Incorrect. Changing a tracheostomy tube, particularly a nondisposable one, is a procedure that should be performed by healthcare professionals due to the risk of complications and the need for sterile technique. It is not typically part of discharge teaching to non-medical caregivers.
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