The nurse is completing discharge teaching with a patient following an ileostomy. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for more teaching concerning the ileostomy?

A. "Moon phase" is not a correct term related to prednisone use. The term "moon face" refers to the round, puffy face that can result from prolonged steroid use, which is a side effect, but it is not something the patient needs to notify the healthcare provider about unless it is accompanied by other severe symptoms.
B. Taking the steroid medication as prescribed is essential. Prednisone is a corticosteroid, and missing doses or abruptly stopping the medication can lead to complications such as adrenal insufficiency. It's important for the client to adhere to the prescribed regimen to manage inflammation and minimize the risk of side effects.
C. Steroids like prednisone can cause increased blood glucose levels, so it's important for the client to monitor blood glucose more frequently. If blood glucose levels exceed 150 mg/dL, they should notify their healthcare provider, but this is not the immediate management strategy for this scenario.
D. Prednisone should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation, not on an empty stomach. Taking it without food can increase the risk of stomach upset and ulcers, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

A. While assessing sputum is important to determine its color, consistency, and amount, it is not the priority before performing percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. The nurse should first assess the patient's overall respiratory status.
B. Assessing pulse and respirations is the first step in ensuring the patient's baseline respiratory status is stable before performing respiratory therapies. This allows the nurse to detect any signs of distress or abnormal respiratory patterns, which could indicate the need for further intervention before the procedure.
C. Auscultating lung fields is important for evaluating the effectiveness of the percussion and drainage procedure, but the initial assessment should include vital signs, such as pulse and respirations, to ensure the patient is stable.
D. Instructing the patient to slowly exhale with pursed lips is a helpful technique for managing respiratory distress, but it is not the first priority before conducting percussion or postural drainage. The nurse should first assess vital signs.