The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who has an order for prednisone orally. When planning medication teaching, the nurse will plan to include which potential side effect of this medication?

Choice A reason: The patient being increasingly drowsy and hard to arouse is an urgent finding that should be reported immediately. This condition may indicate intracranial bleeding or other severe complications related to extremely low platelet count (10,000/mm³) in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent further deterioration.

Choice B reason: Red, raised purpura on the patient's feet and hands is a concerning finding indicative of significant thrombocytopenia, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as decreased consciousness. It should still be monitored and managed, but the priority is the patient's level of consciousness.

Choice A reason: Increasing the rate of the transfusion to complete it as quickly as possible is not safe. Blood transfusions should be completed within four hours to prevent complications such as bacterial contamination and hemolysis.

Choice B reason: Stopping the transfusion immediately and documenting the amount infused is the appropriate intervention. Blood products that have been transfusing for more than four hours must be stopped to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse reactions. Documentation ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the situation and can take appropriate follow-up actions.

Choice C reason: Continuing the transfusion and monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes is not appropriate after the four-hour window has passed. The risk of complications increases with prolonged transfusion times.

Choice D reason: Continuing the transfusion at the current rate until it is completed is not safe. The transfusion must be stopped after four hours to prevent potential complications.