What should the nurse teach a patient on corticosteroid therapy in order to reduce the patient's risk of adrenal insufficiency?
A) Take the medication late in the day to mimic the body's natural rhythms.
B) Always have enough medication on hand to avoid running out.
C) Skip up to 2 doses in cases of illness involving nausea.
D) Take up to 1 extra dose per day during times of stress.
Ans: B
Feedback:
The patient and family should be informed that acute adrenal insufficiency and underlying symptoms will recur if corticosteroid therapy is stopped abruptly without medical supervision. The patient should be instructed to have an adequate supply of the corticosteroid medication always available to avoid running out. Doses should not be skipped or added without explicit instructions to do so. Corticosteroids should normally be taken in the morning to mimic natural rhythms.
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