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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Acting as if the hallucination is real can validate the client's false perceptions and potentially reinforce the hallucination. It is important to maintain a sense of reality and not to enter into the client's hallucinatory experience.
Choice B reason : Instructing the client to argue with the voices is not therapeutic. It can increase the client's agitation and anxiety, and it does not help in distinguishing reality from hallucinations.
Choice C reason : While it is important to understand the client's experience, asking direct questions about the hallucination may lead the client to focus more on the hallucination, which can reinforce its presence. The nurse should focus on reality-based topics.
Choice D reason : This is the correct action. The nurse should gently and firmly reassure the client that the hallucination is not real and is a symptom of their illness. This helps to orient the client to reality and can reduce the distress associated with hallucinations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Abdominal distension is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms¹.
Choice B reason : Jugular venous distention is typically a sign of right-sided heart failure, indicating increased pressure in the right atrium and venous system. It is not a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure¹.
Choice C reason : Dependent edema, or swelling in the lower extremities, is also more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates due to poor venous return. In left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs rather than the extremities¹.
Choice D reason : A hacking cough, especially when lying down, is a symptom of left-sided heart failure, as fluid backs up into the lungs causing pulmonary congestion. This can lead to coughing and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or when lying flat¹.
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