A patient is taking high doses of prednisone to control the symptoms of acute exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. When teaching the patient about the use of prednisone, which information is important for the nurse to include?
Check your temperature daily because prednisone can hide signs of an infection.
Do not stop taking the prednisone suddenly, it should be decreased gradually.
Call the doctor if you experience any mood alterations with the prednisone.
Weigh yourself daily to monitor for weight gain caused by water or increased fat.
The Correct Answer is B
Sudden discontinuation of prednisone can result in adrenal insufficiency and can lead to life-threatening complications. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any symptoms of an infection, such as fever, to the doctor promptly, as prednisone can mask signs of an infection.
Monitoring for mood alterations and daily weight measurement are also important aspects of care, but they are not as crucial as the need to gradually taper off the medication.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This meal choice is low in sodium as it contains fresh ingredients and does not include processed or pre-packaged foods that are typically high in sodium. Chicken, bread, and carrots are naturally low in sodium, and the client can control the amount of added salt or seasoning. In contrast, the other food choices are likely to be high in sodium due to added salt, cheese, or processed ingredients.
Therefore, the nurse should encourage the client to choose fresh, low-sodium foods and avoid processed or pre-packaged meals.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The statement "I had the stomach flu earlier this week and couldn't take the hydrocortisone" indicates that the patient may not be adhering to their prescribed medication regimen, which can lead to an Addisonian crisis. Therefore, the nursing diagnosis of ineffective therapeutic regimen management related to lack of knowledge of management of the condition is appropriate.
Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid medication that is often used to replace the cortisol that the adrenal glands are not producing. In the Addisonian crisis, the body is unable to produce the necessary levels of cortisol and aldosterone, which can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as hypotension, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
The other statements may indicate areas where patient education is needed, but they do not directly relate to the immediate risk of an Addisonian crisis.
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