The nurse is collecting a stool specimen from a client. What stool characteristic indicates to the nurse that the client may have an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed?

A. The immediate concern with abrupt cessation is more related to adrenal insufficiency rather than hyperglycemia. However, chronic use of prednisone can contribute to glucose intolerance and diabetes, but this is not the primary issue with sudden discontinuation.
B. Abrupt discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency because the body has become reliant on the medication to suppress inflammation and regulate various bodily functions. The adrenal glands may not immediately resume normal cortisol production, which can lead to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including hypotension.

C. Fluid retention is a common side effect of prednisone use. However, stopping prednisone suddenly does not typically cause fluid retention; rather, it can lead to other issues like adrenal insufficiency. Fluid retention is more related to the medication's use rather than its abrupt discontinuation.
D. Abruptly stopping high-dose prednisone, especially after long-term use, can be dangerous. The body may not immediately resume normal cortisol production, leading to symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and hypotension. It is crucial to taper off prednisone gradually under medical supervision to allow the adrenal glands time to recover and to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

A. AMD affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision and fine detail. As the condition progresses, patients often experience a gradual loss of central vision, which can make it difficult to read, recognize faces, and perform tasks that require sharp vision. Distortion of straight lines (metamorphopsia) is also common, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent.
B. Floaters and flashes of light are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the vitreous body of the eye or retinal detachment, rather than AMD. These symptoms can occur due to changes in the vitreous gel or as a result of other retinal issues, but they are not the primary symptoms of AMD.
C. Cloudy vision and glare are typically associated with cataracts, not AMD. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. AMD does not cause the lens to cloud, so these symptoms are not characteristic of AMD.
D. Loss of peripheral vision is more characteristic of glaucoma rather than AMD. AMD primarily affects central vision, leaving peripheral vision relatively intact until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Glaucoma, on the other hand, often leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision.