Which assessment information obtained by the nurse indicates that a patient with an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is experiencing a side effect of prednisone (Deltasone)?
a. The patient has joint pain and stiffness.
b. The patient's blood glucose is 165 mg/dL.
c. The patient has experienced a recent 5-pound weight loss.
d. The patient's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has increased.
Ans: b. The patient's blood glucose is 165 mg/dL.
Explanation: Corticosteroids have the potential to cause diabetes mellitus. The finding of an elevated blood glucose reflects this side effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids increase appetite and lead to weight gain. An elevated ESR and no improvement in symptoms would indicate that the prednisone was not effective but would not be side effects of the medication.
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A nurse is caring for a client whose wife died in a recent mass casualty accident. The client says, "I can't believe that my wife is gone and I am left to raise my children all by myself." How should the nurse respond?
a. "Please accept my sympathies for your loss." b. "I can call the hospital chaplain if you wish." c. "You sound anxious about being a single parent." d. "At least your children still have you in their lives."
A patient is admitted to the hospital with fever, cough, malaise, and weakness. Forty-eight hours later, the symptoms have become progressively worse, and they progress to severe respiratory distress, septicemia, and hemorrhagic meningitis
The nurse recognizes these signs and symptoms as: a. tularemia. b. smallpox. c. inhalation anthrax. d. pneumonic plague.
A mother who breastfeeds her 6-week-old infant every 4 hours tells the nurse that he seems "hungry all the time." The nurse should recommend which?
a. Newborn cereal b. Supplemental formula c. More frequent feedings d. No change in feedings
What is the purpose of OSHA?
a. Educate occupational health and safety professionals b. Identify and research occupational health and safety hazards c. Distribute research findings relevant to occupational health and safety d. Educate employers about occupational health and safety