A client is taking a corticosteroid for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. When the nurse is providing instructions about the medication to the client, what priority information should be included?

Question

A) If the client experiences nausea, omit the dose.
B) The client should be alert for joint aches.
C) This medication is commonly used for many inflammatory reactions and is relatively safe.
D) Be alert for signs and symptoms of infection and report them immediately to the physician.

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
Instruct the client about signs and symptoms of and the increased risk for infection. Instruct the client to report signs and symptoms of infection immediately to the physician. Early treatment promotes a shorter duration of illness and reduced complication. Tell the client to avoid high-risk activities, such as being in crowds, during periods of immunosuppression. The client should not omit a dose if nausea is experienced; he may take the medication with food. There are many side effects and required laboratory work to detect the side effects from immunosuppressive therapy. Joint aches are vague symptoms and are not a priority for reporting purposes.