Corticosteroids Review Questions
12. A client is to be discharged on prednisone. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands important concepts about the medication therapy? A."I need to wear or carry identification that I am taking prednisone " B."I need to take the medicine in divided doses at morning and bedtime " C."I am to take 40 mg of prednisone for 2 months and then stop " D. "Prednisone will give me extra protection from colds and flu"
A
13. A patient has been taking prednisone for several weeks after experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction. To prevent adrenal insufficiency, the nurse should ensure that the patient knows to do which of the following? A. Slowly taper down the dose of prednisone, as ordered. B. Take the drug concurrent with levothyroxine (Synthroid). C. Gradually replace the prednisone with an OTC alternative. D. Take each dose of prednisone with a dose of calcium chloride.
A
5. The nurse is assessing the client's use of medications. Which of the following medications may cause a complication with the treatment plan of a client with diabetes? A. Steroids B. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors C. Sulfonylureas D. Aspirin
A
9. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the parents of an 8-year-old child with asthma who is being switched from parenteral steroid therapy to a daily dose of oral prednisone? A. "Have the child take the dose with meals to prevent gastric irritation " B. "Administer the dose before bedtime to minimize adverse effects " C. "Give the medication according to the child's response " D. "Make sure to give the pill intact to maintain the enteric coating"
A
2. A client being treated for rheumatoid arthritis has been prescribed a type of drug that is commonly used for joint inflammation. The nurse will administer an initial dose as an injection, and the client will continue taking an oral form of the medication. Which type of medication will the nurse administer? A. Narcotic B. Corticosteroid C. Opioid D. Antidepressant
B
8. A client is asking about dietary modifications to counteract the long-term effects of prednisone. What is the most appropriate information for the nurse to give the client? A. "Increase your intake of polyunsaturated fats" B. "Increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D" C. "Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates" D. "Increase your intake of dietary sodium"
B
14. A client is being educated about taking corticosteroid therapy. The nurse knows that teaching was successful when the client states which of the following? Select all the apply A. Take before going to bed B. Avoid exposure to crowds C. Avoid operating heavy machinery D. Wound healing may be delayed E. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication F. This medication increases my risk of a fracture G. I should see an ophthalmologist regularly
B, D, E, F, G
10. A client is ordered prednisone daily. Which statement best explains why the nurse should instruct the client to take this drug in the morning? A. Prednisone has a longer half-life with morning administration, making it more effective. B. Prednisone is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. C. Morning administration of prednisone mimics the body's natural corticosteroid secretion pattern. D. Taking the drug at the same time every day establishes a regular routine, reducing the risk of forgetting a dose
C
3. The nurse teaches the patient that corticosteroids will be used to treat his brain tumor for which reason? A. Prevent extension of the tumor B. Facilitate regeneration of neurons C. Reduce cerebral edema D. Identify precise location of the tumor
C
4. Patients who are receiving corticosteroids and stop abruptly are at risk for which type of insufficiency? A. Thyroid B. Parathyroid C. Adrenal D. Pituitary
C
6. A nurse should perform which intervention for a client with Cushing's syndrome? A. Offer clothing or bedding that's cool and comfortable. B. Explain the rationale for increasing salt and fluid intake in times of illness, increased stress, and very hot weather. C. Explain that the client's physical changes are a result of excessive corticosteroids. D. Suggest a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet.
C
1. A nurse is teaching a client with adrenal insufficiency about corticosteroids. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? A."I will see my ophthalmologist regularly for a check-up " B."I will avoid friends and family members who are sick " C."I will eat lots of chicken and dairy products " D."I may stop taking this medication when I feel better"
D
11. Which topic is most important to include in the teaching plan for a client newly diagnosed with Addison's disease who will be taking corticosteroids? A. How to decrease the dose of the corticosteroids when the client experiences stress. B. The need to adjust the steroid dose based on dietary intake and exercise. C. To notify the health care provider when the blood pressure is suddenly high. D. The importance of watching for signs of hyperglycemia.
D
7. A client on steroids is an insulin dependent diabetic and has chronic kidney disease (CKD). The client has had episodes of hyperglycemia. The nurse should: A. Continue to monitor the client's blood glucose values. B. Restrict ambulation so there will be less of a chance for hypoglycemia. C. Contact the dietician to request that one additional serving of protein be added to each meal. D. Contact the physician and recommend that the doses of insulin be evaluated.
D