A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Prednisone should generally be taken with food or after a meal to reduce the risk of gastric irritation or ulcer formation. Taking it on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers.

B. While some medications are best taken at bedtime (such as those with sedative effects), prednisone is a corticosteroid that can affect the body's circadian rhythm and may interfere with sleep. It typically causes insomnia or restlessness, so it’s usually advised to take it in the morning.

C. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) over time, especially with long-term use. One of the side effects of corticosteroid therapy is decreased calcium absorption and bone density loss, making individuals at higher risk for fractures.

D. Prednisone more commonly causes weight gain rather than weight loss. Corticosteroids increase appetite and can lead to fluid retention, both of which can result in weight gain. Additionally, prednisone can cause redistribution of fat, often leading to characteristic side effects like "moon face" or increased abdominal fat.

B. Incorrect. Prednisone is often prescribed as a single daily dose in the morning to coincide with the body's natural cortisol release.

C. Incorrect. While calcium supplementation might be necessary for some individuals on long-term prednisone therapy, it is not a primary instruction related to taking prednisone.

D. Correct. Monitoring for weight loss is important due to the potential for weight changes (both weight gain and weight loss) as a result of prednisone's effects on metabolism and appetite.

A. Incorrect. While it’s important to have support during an examination, having multiple nurses present could be overwhelming for the child and may not be necessary. Instead, it's often best to have a single nurse and possibly a pediatric specialist or social worker present, ensuring the child feels safe and comfortable.
B. Incorrect. Reassuring the child that no one will be told is inappropriate as reporting suspected abuse is required by law.
C. Correct. It helps prepare the child for the next steps in the process and can reduce anxiety. Clear communication fosters trust and helps the child understand the importance of reporting for their safety and well-being.
D. Incorrect. Using leading statements can potentially affect the integrity of the investigation.