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
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels the urge to repeat over and over. While OCD is a separate condition that can co-occur with many disorders, it is not commonly associated as a comorbidity with histrionic personality disorder⁴⁵.
Choice B reason: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is not typically associated with histrionic personality disorder, which is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors⁴⁵.
Choice C reason: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common comorbidity with histrionic personality disorder. Individuals with histrionic personality disorder may experience high levels of anxiety, which can manifest as GAD. This anxiety often relates to fears of rejection or not being the center of attention⁴⁵.
Choice D reason: Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body weight. It is more commonly associated with other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive and avoidant personality disorders, rather than histrionic personality disorder⁴⁵.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clots. They are not typically used to manage fluid volume excess in left-sided heart failure. Instead, they may be used if the patient has an increased risk of clotting due to reduced mobility or atrial fibrillation, which can be associated with heart failure⁵.
Choice B reason : Antiembolism stockings are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and are not directly related to the management of fluid volume excess. They may be used in heart failure patients to prevent DVT due to reduced mobility but do not aid in fluid reduction⁵.
Choice C reason : Oxygen therapy can be used in left-sided heart failure to alleviate symptoms of dyspnea due to pulmonary congestion. However, it does not directly reduce fluid volume excess. It is a supportive treatment to ensure adequate oxygenation⁵.
Choice D reason : Diuretics are the primary treatment for reducing fluid volume excess in left-sided heart failure. They work by increasing urine output, which helps to reduce the volume of fluid in the body and alleviate symptoms such as pulmonary edema and peripheral edema⁵.
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