The nurse is providing patient education to a patient who will begin taking fludrocortisone [Florinef] as adjunctive therapy to hydrocortisone. Which statement by the patient indicates un-derstanding of the teaching?
a. "I should move from sitting to standing slowly."
b. "I should report any swelling of my hands and feet."
c. "I should report weight loss to my provid-er."
d. "I should report excessive urine output."
B
Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid that regulates sodium, potassium, and water balance. Wa-ter and sodium retention is a particular concern, so the patient should be taught to report any signs of fluid retention, such as swelling of the hands and feet. Fludrocortisone elevates the blood pressure, so hypotension is not a concern. Because fluid retention causes weight gain, pa-tients should be taught to report any increase in weight. Patients should report decreased urine output.
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