A patient has been taking oral prednisone for a few weeks after having a severe reaction to poison sumac. What would be an educational point the nurse would want to tell the patient regarding the sudden cessation of the drug?
Adrenal insufficiency
Memory complications
Cardiovascular complications
Psychosis
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason : When a patient stops taking oral prednisone abruptly after prolonged use, the body may not immediately resume normal production of cortisol, which is a hormone that prednisone mimics. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the body produces insufficient amounts of cortisol. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure¹². It is crucial for patients to understand the need to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to avoid this potentially serious condition.
Choice B reason : Memory complications are not typically associated with the sudden cessation of prednisone. While some patients may experience mood swings or cognitive changes while taking prednisone, these are not the primary concerns when discontinuing the medication.
Choice C reason : Cardiovascular complications are not directly related to the sudden stoppage of prednisone. However, adrenal insufficiency can indirectly affect cardiovascular health due to the role of cortisol in maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular function.
Choice D reason : Psychosis is a possible side effect of taking prednisone, especially at high doses, but it is not a common withdrawal symptom. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to include physical signs of cortisol deficiency rather than severe psychiatric symptoms.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with this disorder may avoid work activities or decline job offers due to fears of criticism or rejection. However, they do not typically exhibit a need for constant reassurance or an inability to make decisions, which are more indicative of dependent personality disorder⁵⁶.
Choice B reason : Borderline personality disorder involves a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may exhibit dependency traits, they are more likely to engage in frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and may have a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships⁷⁸.
Choice C reason : Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation. Individuals with this disorder often require excessive advice and reassurance from others to make everyday decisions and may feel helpless when alone due to exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves. The need for constant reassurance and inability to make decisions align with the symptoms of dependent personality disorder¹²³⁴.
Choice D reason : Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency toward a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, emotional coldness, detachment, and apathy. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be alone and do not seek out social interactions or relationships. They do not typically display the need for reassurance or the inability to make decisions, as seen in dependent personality disorder¹²¹³¹⁴.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Constipation is not commonly reported as an adverse effect of tamoxifen. While it may occur, it is not as prevalent as other side effects such as hot flashes¹.
Choice B reason : Hot flashes are a well-known and common adverse effect of tamoxifen. They occur due to the antiestrogen effects of the medication, which can disrupt the body's temperature regulation¹.
Choice C reason : Increased appetite is not typically associated with tamoxifen use. While changes in weight can occur, they are not directly linked to an increase in appetite as a side effect of this medication¹.
Choice D reason : Insomnia may occur in some individuals taking tamoxifen, but it is not one of the most common adverse effects. Hot flashes and other menopausal-like symptoms are more frequently reported¹.
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