A client has been placed on corticosteroid therapy for Addison's disease. The nurse should be aware of which of the following side effects associated with this type of therapy? (Select all that apply)

Weight loss

Poor wound healing

Hypertension

Hypotension

Alterations in glucose metabolism

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,E

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Weight loss is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy for Addison’s disease. Corticosteroids mimic cortisol, promoting weight gain through increased appetite and fat redistribution. Weight loss is more common in untreated Addison’s disease due to cortisol deficiency and reduced appetite.

Choice B reason: Poor wound healing is a side effect of corticosteroids, as they suppress immune responses and inhibit collagen synthesis. This impairs fibroblast activity and tissue repair, increasing infection risk and delaying wound closure, a significant concern for patients on long-term therapy for Addison’s disease.

Choice C reason: Hypertension is a common side effect of corticosteroids due to their mineralocorticoid effects, which increase sodium and water retention, elevating blood volume and pressure. This is particularly relevant in Addison’s disease treatment, where corticosteroids restore deficient aldosterone and cortisol, potentially causing fluid overload.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a side effect of corticosteroid therapy but a symptom of untreated Addison’s disease due to aldosterone deficiency, causing sodium loss and hypovolemia. Corticosteroid therapy corrects this, so hypotension is unlikely unless under-dosed or during acute crisis.

Choice E reason: Alterations in glucose metabolism are a side effect of corticosteroids, which induce insulin resistance and increase gluconeogenesis, leading to hyperglycemia. In Addison’s disease, corticosteroids replace deficient cortisol, but excess dosing can mimic Cushing’s syndrome, causing elevated blood glucose and requiring careful monitoring.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Beef liver is rich in heme iron, highly bioavailable for hemoglobin synthesis, and orange juice provides vitamin C, enhancing non-heme iron absorption. This combination maximizes iron uptake, critical for correcting iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy, where iron demands increase due to fetal growth and maternal blood volume expansion.

Choice B reason: Yogurt, almonds, and oats contain non-heme iron, but their bioavailability is lower than heme iron from meat. Calcium in yogurt may inhibit iron absorption, and while nutritious, this combination is less effective for rapidly increasing iron stores in iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Choice C reason: Salmon and whole milk provide protein and calcium but are poor sources of iron. Salmon has minimal iron, and milk’s calcium can inhibit iron absorption. This combination does not effectively address the increased iron needs of pregnancy-related iron deficiency anemia, making it less suitable.

Choice D reason: Mixed vegetables and brown rice contain non-heme iron, but absorption is limited compared to heme iron sources. Without vitamin C to enhance uptake, this combination is less effective for correcting iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy, where rapid restoration of iron stores is critical.

A. 12 hours B. 9 hours C. 3 hours D. 6 hours

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Initiating thrombolytic therapy within 12 hours is too late for optimal ischemic stroke outcomes. Beyond 4.5 hours, the risk of hemorrhage outweighs benefits, as ischemic tissue becomes necrotic, reducing the effectiveness of thrombolytics like tPA in restoring blood flow and improving function.

Choice B reason: A 9-hour window for thrombolytic therapy exceeds the recommended time frame for ischemic stroke. After 4.5 hours, the risk of hemorrhagic transformation increases, and neuronal salvage is less likely due to prolonged ischemia, making this time frame ineffective for achieving optimal functional recovery.

Choice C reason: Thrombolytic therapy within 3 hours of ischemic stroke onset maximizes functional outcomes. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) dissolves clots, restoring blood flow to viable brain tissue. Early administration minimizes neuronal damage, reduces disability, and improves recovery, with guidelines supporting a 3–4.5-hour window for eligible patients.

Choice D reason: A 6-hour window for thrombolytics is beyond the optimal 3–4.5-hour period for ischemic stroke. While some patients may benefit up to 4.5 hours, delays increase hemorrhage risk and reduce the likelihood of salvaging ischemic tissue, leading to poorer functional outcomes compared to earlier intervention.

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A client has been placed on corticosteroid therapy for Addison's disease. The nurse should be aware of which of the following side effects associated with this type of therapy? (Select all that apply)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is in the third trimester of pregnancy has been experiencing an exacerbation of iron-deficiency anemia in recent weeks. When providing the client with nutritional guidelines and meal suggestions, what foods would be most likely to increase the client’s iron stores?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Thrombolytic therapy should be initiated within what time frame of an ischemic stroke to achieve the best functional outcome?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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