A patient will be starting therapy with a corticosteroid. The nurse reviews the prescriber's orders and notes that an interaction may occur if the corticosteroid is taken with which of these drug classes?
Antibiotics
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Opioid analgesics
Antidepressants
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Antibiotics are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are aminoglycosides, which can increase the risk of hypokalemia. However, most antibiotics do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.
Choice B reason: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can interact with corticosteroids, as they both have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. This can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient for signs of bleeding and advise the patient to avoid taking NSAIDs with corticosteroids.
Choice C reason: Opioid analgesics are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are codeine, which can decrease the clearance of corticosteroids. However, most opioid analgesics do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.
Choice D reason: Antidepressants are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can increase the risk of hypertension and hypertensive crisis. However, most antidepressants do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.

Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because medroxyprogesterone is available as a depot injection that is given intramuscularly every three months. This provides a long-acting and effective contraception for women who do not want to take oral pills or use other methods.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because medroxyprogesterone is not available as a vaginal form. However, there are other contraceptive options that can be inserted vaginally, such as rings, diaphragms, or caps.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because medroxyprogesterone is not available as a transdermal form. However, there are other contraceptive options that can be applied to the skin, such as patches.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because medroxyprogesterone is not available as a subcutaneous form. However, there are other contraceptive options that can be injected under the skin, such as implants.
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