The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed prednisone to be taken on alternate days. The client asks why he cannot just take half a pill every day.
What rationale should the nurse describe?
To decrease adrenal suppression.
To eliminate adverse side effects.
To prevent steroid tolerance.
To prolong therapeutic effects.
The Correct Answer is A
Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that suppresses the production of natural cortisol by the adrenal glands. Taking prednisone on alternate days allows the adrenal glands to recover and produce some cortisol on the days without prednisone.
Choice B is wrong because prednisone does not eliminate adverse side effects, but may cause some such as weight gain, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose, and increased risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of steroid tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
Choice D is wrong because prednisone does not prolong therapeutic effects, but may decrease them over time due to feedback inhibition of cortisol secretion.
Normal ranges for cortisol are 6 to 23 mcg/dL in the morning and 2 to 11 mcg/dL in the afternoon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should advise the client to avoid aluminum salts because they can increase the risk of aluminum toxicity when taken with sucralfate. Sucralfate forms a protective coating over the ulcer and binds to aluminum in the stomach.
Choice A is wrong because Milk of Magnesia is a magnesium-based antacid that can cause diarrhea, but does not interact with sucralfate.
Choice B is wrong because Calcium carbonate is a calcium-based antacid that can cause constipation, but does not interact with sucralfate.
Choice D is wrong because Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that reduce the production of stomach acid and can help heal ulcers.
They do not interact with sucralfate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Diaphoresis means excessive sweating, which is one of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level is lower than the normal range, which can cause dizziness, confusion, weakness, hunger, and other signs.
Choice B is wrong because flushing of the face is not a symptom of hypoglycemia.
Flushing can be caused by other conditions, such as fever, allergic reactions, or rosacea.
Choice C is wrong because fruity breath is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar level, which can cause the body to produce ketones that give the breath a fruity odor.
Choice D is wrong because unpredictable behaviors are not a specific symptom of hypoglycemia.
However, hypoglycemia can cause confusion, irritability, or anxiety, which may affect the behavior of some people.
The normal range of blood sugar level for most people is between 70 and 130 mg/dL (3.9 and 7.2 mmol/L) before meals and less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) after meals.
However, this may vary depending on the individual and the type of diabetes.
It is important to monitor the blood sugar level regularly and treat hypoglycemia promptly by eating or drinking a simple sugar source.
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