A nurse is providing client education to a client who has had corticosteroids prescribed.
What drug should the nurse teach the client to avoid while taking the corticosteroids?
Dimenhydrinate.
Aspirin.
Ibuprofen.
Famotidine.
The Correct Answer is B
The client should avoid taking aspirin while taking corticosteroids because of the potential drug-drug interaction between them. This interaction may cause a reduction in the blood levels of aspirin and decrease its effectiveness. It may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.
Choice A is wrong because dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
It does not have a significant interaction with corticosteroids.
Choice C is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.
It has a similar interaction with corticosteroids as aspirin, but it is less potent and less likely to cause bleeding.
Choice D is wrong because famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that is used to treat and prevent ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions that cause excess stomach acid.
It does not have a significant interaction with corticosteroids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that suppresses the production of natural cortisol by the adrenal glands. Taking prednisone on alternate days allows the adrenal glands to recover and produce some cortisol on the days without prednisone.
Choice B is wrong because prednisone does not eliminate adverse side effects, but may cause some such as weight gain, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose, and increased risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of steroid tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
Choice D is wrong because prednisone does not prolong therapeutic effects, but may decrease them over time due to feedback inhibition of cortisol secretion.
Normal ranges for cortisol are 6 to 23 mcg/dL in the morning and 2 to 11 mcg/dL in the afternoon.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias if the blood level is too high.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the effects of theophylline and raise the risk of toxicity.
Therefore, patients taking theophylline should avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
Choice A is wrong because eating foods high in potassium has no effect on theophylline metabolism or action.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, but it does not interact with theophylline.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of theophylline and cause gastric irritation.
Theophylline should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and prevent fluctuations in blood levels.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL a day can cause dehydration and increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood.
Theophylline
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