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 A
Explanation
A. Correct. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes the excretion of excess fluid and electrolytes. Weight loss is a direct outcome of diuresis and indicates the effectiveness of furosemide in reducing fluid volume excess.
B. Increased blood pressure is not an expected outcome of furosemide administration.
Furosemide is commonly used to reduce blood pressure in clients with fluid volume excess.
C. Decreased pain and decreased inflammation are not direct outcomes of furosemide administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A toddler running with a wide stance is a common behavior at this age and does not necessarily indicate developmental delay. Toddlers often develop a wide base of support as they learn to balance and walk more confidently.
Choice B rationale:
Falling when throwing a ball overhand requires coordination and motor skills. By the age of 24 months, most toddlers can throw a ball with some degree of accuracy. Inability to do so may indicate a developmental delay in motor skills, making choice B the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Referring to oneself by name is a typical language development milestone around the age of 24 months. It demonstrates a basic understanding of self-identity and language, indicating appropriate developmental progress. This choice does not suggest a delay.
Choice D rationale:
Going up stairs with two feet on each step is a gross motor skill that toddlers typically develop around 36 months of age. It requires balance and coordination. While it is advanced for a 24-month-old, it is not necessarily a sign of developmental delay. Therefore, this choice does not provide a clear indication of delay.
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.
