A nurse is planning to teach a client about taking prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Take on an empty stomach.
Schedule dosage at bedtime.
Increase dietary calcium.
Monitor for weight loss.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Canned black beans are a good source of fiber and protein, but they are not specifically recommended for hypertension.
B. Cheese is often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular risk.
C. Correct. Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood pressure.
D. Red meat is often high in saturated fat and is not typically recommended for individuals with hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Family history of malignant hypertension is not a contraindication for alteplase.
B. Incorrect. COPD itself is not a contraindication for alteplase. While it can complicate overall management, it does not increase the immediate risk of bleeding associated with thrombolytics.
C. Correct. Recent surgery, especially orthopedic surgery like hip arthroplasty, is a contraindication for thrombolytic therapy due to the increased risk of bleeding and hematoma formation at the surgical site.
D. Incorrect. Acute renal failure from six months ago is not a contraindication for alteplase.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.