A client reports taking corticosteroid therapy for the last 6 months to treat reactive airway disease. The client says, "My doctor wouldn't refill my prescription so I went to a different doctor and just didn't say anything about taking corticosteroids."
The nurse would pay particular attention to which assessment in this client?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Blood pressure
2. Weight
3. Visual acuity
4. Heart rhythm
5. Pedal pulses
Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Corticosteroid therapy can cause fluid retention, which would increase blood pressure.
Rationale 2: Obesity and fluid retention are adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid use.
Rationale 3: Long-term corticosteroid use may cause cataract formation.
Rationale 4: Long-term corticosteroid use is not associated with dysrhythmia.
Rationale 5: Long-term corticosteroid use is not associated with decreased peripheral circulation.
Global Rationale: The long-term adverse effects of corticosteroids are serious and include osteoporosis, cataract formation, mental status changes, fluid and salt retention, HTN, hyperglycemia, obesity, and adrenal atrophy. Dysrhythmia and changes in peripheral circulation are not associated with corticosteroid use.
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