A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops Cushing's syndrome related to long-term steroid use. The physician writes an order to discontinue the steroids. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Monitor the patient's blood glucose level.
b. Monitor the patient's weight daily.
c. Instruct the patient to report worsening respiratory symptoms.
d. Question the order.
ANS: D
D. Steroids should always be tapered, never stopped abruptly, to prevent adrenal crisis. A, B, and C are appropriate for patients on high-dose steroids, but abrupt cessation of the drug is life threatening.
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