A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and a prescription for oral betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make about how to take this medication?

 

Choice A reason:

Distorted perceptual field is more commonly associated with severe anxiety or panic attacks rather than moderate anxiety. In severe anxiety, a person’s ability to perceive reality can be significantly impaired, leading to distorted perceptions and an inability to focus.

Choice B reason:

Urinary frequency can be a symptom of anxiety, but it is not specifically indicative of moderate anxiety. It can occur in various levels of anxiety, including mild, moderate, and severe. However, it is not as prominent a symptom as others like rapid speech or restlessness.

Choice C reason:

Rapid speech is a common symptom of moderate anxiety. Individuals with moderate anxiety often exhibit signs of increased nervousness and agitation, which can manifest as rapid or pressured speech. This symptom reflects the heightened state of arousal and the difficulty in controlling anxious thoughts.

Choice A Reason:

Vesicles on the skin are more commonly associated with cutaneous anthrax, not inhalation anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax typically presents with a raised, itchy bump that develops into a painless sore with a black center.

Choice B Reason:

Respiratory failure is a severe and common symptom of inhalation anthrax. Inhalation anthrax begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, shock, and often death if not treated promptly.

Choice C Reason:

Flu-like symptoms are indeed an early sign of inhalation anthrax, but they are not specific enough to indicate exposure definitively. These symptoms include sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Choice D Reason:

Coughing of blood can occur in the later stages of inhalation anthrax as the disease progresses and the respiratory system becomes severely compromised.