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 C
Explanation
The patient with primary hyperparathyroidism has high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) which can lead to symptoms such as kidney stones, bone pain, and weakness. High urine calcium levels may also be present due to the increased calcium in the blood.
One important intervention for managing hypercalcemia is to encourage fluid intake to promote increased urine output and prevent the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, the nurse should encourage the patient to drink at least 4000 ml of fluids per day.
Seizure precautions (a), range-of-motion exercises (b), and monitoring for positive Chvostek’s or Trousseaus sign (d) are not directly related to managing hypercalcemia and are not necessary in this case.
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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