A patient has been taking oral prednisone for a few weeks after having a severe reaction to poison sumac. What would be an educational point the nurse would want to tell the patient regarding the sudden cessation of the drug?

Adrenal insufficiency

Memory complications

Cardiovascular complications

Psychosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason : When a patient stops taking oral prednisone abruptly after prolonged use, the body may not immediately resume normal production of cortisol, which is a hormone that prednisone mimics. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the body produces insufficient amounts of cortisol. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure¹². It is crucial for patients to understand the need to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to avoid this potentially serious condition.

Choice B reason : Memory complications are not typically associated with the sudden cessation of prednisone. While some patients may experience mood swings or cognitive changes while taking prednisone, these are not the primary concerns when discontinuing the medication.

Choice C reason : Cardiovascular complications are not directly related to the sudden stoppage of prednisone. However, adrenal insufficiency can indirectly affect cardiovascular health due to the role of cortisol in maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular function.

Choice D reason : Psychosis is a possible side effect of taking prednisone, especially at high doses, but it is not a common withdrawal symptom. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to include physical signs of cortisol deficiency rather than severe psychiatric symptoms.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : The immediate safety of the client is the nurse's primary concern. Assessing the risk for immediate harm is crucial to prevent further abuse and to ensure the client's well-being. This involves evaluating the severity of the situation and the potential for future harm¹.

Choice B reason : While referring the client to a community support group is important for long-term support, it is not the immediate priority when a client reports abuse.

Choice C reason : Implementing a safety plan is a critical step, but it follows the initial assessment of immediate risk. The safety plan will be part of the ongoing support and intervention for the client.

Choice D reason : Instructing the client on how to leave the relationship is an important aspect of empowering the client; however, it is not the first action to take before assessing immediate risk and ensuring the client's safety.

A. Heat intolerance B. Facial edema C. Tachycardia D. Diarrhea

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason : Heat intolerance is not a symptom associated with myxedema coma. Instead, patients with myxedema coma typically present with cold intolerance due to decreased metabolic rate and reduced heat production as a result of hypothyroidism¹.

Choice B reason : Facial edema, particularly around the eyes, is a characteristic finding in myxedema coma. This condition results from severe hypothyroidism, which can cause mucopolysaccharide deposition in the skin, leading to non-pitting edema¹.

Choice C reason : Tachycardia is not expected in myxedema coma; rather, bradycardia is more common due to the reduced metabolic demands of the body in the hypothyroid state¹.

Choice D reason : Diarrhea is not typically a symptom of myxedema coma. Patients are more likely to experience constipation due to slowed gastrointestinal motility in the context of hypothyroidism¹.

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A patient has been taking oral prednisone for a few weeks after having a severe reaction to poison sumac. What would be an educational point the nurse would want to tell the patient regarding the sudden cessation of the drug?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has reported experiencing abuse at home. Which of the following actions should be a priority for the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has myxedema coma. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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