Which information obtained by the nurse about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?
Patient stopped taking the medication 2 days ago.
Patient's blood pressure is 148/94 mm Hg.
Patient has bilateral 2+ pitting ankle edema.
Patient has not been taking the prescribed vitamin D.
The Correct Answer is B
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can cause a range of side effects, including fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance, and increased blood pressure. A blood pressure reading of 148/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which may be related to the use of prednisone. It is essential to report this finding to the health care provider as it may require further evaluation and management, such as adjusting the medication dosage or initiating additional treatments to control blood pressure. The other information provided, such as stopping the medication, ankle edema, and not taking prescribed vitamin D, is relevant but does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's health compared to uncontrolled hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The signs or symptoms the nurse would observe in a 4-year-old client experiencing a recurrence of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) include:
- MCNS is characterized by increased glomerular permeability, leading to the loss of protein, particularly albumin, in the urine. Proteinuria is a hallmark feature of MCNS and is usually detected through urine testing.
- Due to the excessive loss of protein in the urine, particularly albumin, the client with MCNS may have low levels of albumin in the blood. Hypoalbuminemia can result in various complications, such as edema formation and impaired immune function. However this is not a sign or symptom.
- Edema is a common symptom of MCNS and typically presents as swelling in the face, around the eyes, and in the extremities. This is a result of the fluid shifts and fluid retention caused by the altered glomerular function and hypoalbuminemia.
Hypocalcemia and ketones in the urine are not typically associated with MCNS. Hypocalcemia can occur in some types of kidney disease, but it is not a characteristic feature of MCNS. Ketones in the urine are more commonly associated with conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or inadequate carbohydrate intake.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can increase blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and reducing glucose utilization in the body. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes. The client's history of urinary tract infection and the use of Prednisone suggest that the infection might have triggered the development of DKA.
It's important to note that DKA can occur even when a person is taking insulin as prescribed and following their diet carefully if other factors contribute to the development of DKA, such as an underlying infection or the use of certain medications like Prednisone. The nurse should further assess the client's condition and notify the healthcare provider to initiate appropriate management for DKA.
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