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. Pyridostigmine is primarily used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a different autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles. It works by inhibiting the

enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which increases the levels of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions, thereby improving muscle strength. It is not used for treating multiple sclerosis.
B. Levodopa-carbidopa is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, and carbidopa prevents levodopa from being converted into dopamine before it reaches the brain. This combination helps manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is not used for multiple sclerosis.
C. Riluzole is used primarily for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. It works by reducing the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can be toxic to nerve cells. Riluzole is not used for multiple sclerosis.
D. Interferon-beta is a disease-modifying therapy used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It works by modulating the immune system to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses. Interferon-beta can help slow the progression of disability and reduce the number of new lesions seen on MRI scans.