A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is to start taking prednisone. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication to prednisone therapy?

A. 0.45% sodium chloride: 0.45% sodium chloride solution, also known as half-normal saline, is a hypotonic solution used for rehydration and maintenance fluid therapy. However, in cases of
major burns where there is a significant loss of fluid and electrolytes, isotonic solutions are generally preferred.
B. Lactated Ringer's: Lactated Ringer's solution is an isotonic crystalloid solution that closely resembles the electrolyte composition of extracellular fluid. It is commonly used for fluid resuscitation in clients with major burns to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and restore
intravascular volume.

C. Dextrose 5% in water: Dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution used primarily for hydration in clients with normal electrolyte levels or as a vehicle for administering medications.
It is not typically used for fluid resuscitation in clients with major burns, as it does not adequately replace lost electrolytes.
D. Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride: This solution combines dextrose 5% and 0.45% sodium chloride and is used for maintenance fluid therapy and mild dehydration. However, in cases of major burns where there is significant fluid and electrolyte loss, isotonic solutions like lactated Ringer's or normal saline are preferred for fluid resuscitation.

A. Verapamil: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat supraventricular

tachycardias, not ventricular dysrhythmias. It is not typically used for life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias.
B. Digoxin: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used primarily for atrial fibrillation and heart failure, not ventricular dysrhythmias. It is not typically used for life-threatening ventricular
dysrhythmias.

C. Dopamine: Dopamine is a sympathomimetic medication used for hemodynamic support in hypotension and shock. While it may be used in some cases of unstable bradycardia, it is not the first-line medication for life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias.
D. Amiodarone: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for the treatment of various ventricular and supraventricular dysrhythmias, including life-threatening ventricular
dysrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It is often used as a first-line medication for these conditions due to its efficacy and safety profile. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate administering amiodarone for the client's life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmia.