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 B
Explanation
Counting sponges, needles, and surgical instruments is an intraoperative activity that is specific to the circulating function of the perioperative nurse. The nurse is responsible for maintaining an accurate count of all surgical items to prevent leaving any foreign objects inside the patient after the surgery. This is a crucial task to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential complications that may arise from such errors.
Option a. admitting, identifying, and assessing the patient, is a preoperative function that is usually performed by the preoperative nurse.
Option c. passing instruments to the surgeon and assistants, is a scrub nurse function that requires knowledge of the surgical procedure and a sterile technique.
Option d. preparing the instrument table and sterile equipment is also a scrub nurse function that requires expertise in sterile technique, knowledge of surgical procedures, and the ability to maintain a sterile environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The patient's bounding, rapid pulse and systolic hypertension may indicate cardiovascular complications associated with Graves' disease, such as tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, or congestive heart failure, which can cause chest pain. It is important for the nurse to assess for any symptoms of cardiovascular distress and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention. Questions about appetite and constipation may be relevant to the patient's overall health status, but they are not the most important concern in this situation.
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