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: This is incorrect because NPH insulin is normally cloudy and should be gently mixed before use. However, the nurse should discard the solution if it has clumps, flakes, or crystals.
Choice B reason: This is correct because NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting or rapid-acting insulins. The nurse should explain to the client that NPH insulin provides basal coverage and may need to be combined with other types of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because freezing insulin can damage its potency and effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to store unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator and opened vials at room temperature.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because shaking insulin can cause air bubbles and frothing, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. The nurse should instruct the client to roll the insulin vial between the palms of the hands to mix it gently.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Insulin glargine is not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a long-acting insulin that has a duration of 24 hours and no peak effect. It is used to provide basal insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
Choice B reason: Regular insulin is the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a short-acting insulin that has an onset of 30 to 60 minutes and a peak of 2 to 4 hours. It is used to lower the blood glucose level rapidly and correct the acidosis.

Choice C reason: Insulin detemir is also not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is a long-acting insulin that has a duration of 12 to 24 hours and no peak effect. It is also used to provide basal insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
Choice D reason: NPH insulin is also not the type of insulin to use for diabetic ketoacidosis, as it is an intermediate-acting insulin that has an onset of 2 to 4 hours and a peak of 4 to 12 hours. It is used to provide intermediate insulin coverage and prevent hyperglycemia.
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