The client has been treated with a corticosteroid for the last 3 weeks for a severe inflammatory response. The condition has improved but is not resolved. The nurse plans care for this client based on what prediction?
1. The dose of the corticosteroid will be increased.
2. The corticosteroid therapy will be discontinued and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug will be started.
3. The client will be changed to a different corticosteroid.
4. Treatment for the inflammatory response will be discontinued.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Corticosteroid therapy is generally used for only 1–3 weeks.
Rationale 2: After 3 weeks of corticosteroid therapy, the medication is often changed to an NSAID.
Rationale 3: Corticosteroid therapy generally continues for only 1–3 weeks.
Rationale 4: Even though the condition has improved, it is not resolved. Therapy with an NSAID should continue.
Global Rationale: Should inflammation become severe or disabling, corticosteroid therapy is begun. Due to the potential for serious long-term adverse effects, corticosteroids are usually used for only 1 to 3 weeks to bring inflammation under control. The patient is then switched to NSAIDs.
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