A patient who has been taking 30 mg of prednisone daily for the last 10 days reports crying more often and then suddenly getting angry at small issues. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Document the patient's response as the only action.
b. Hold the next dose and notify the prescriber immediately.
c. Reassure the patient that this is an expected drug response.
d. Suggest that the patient see a counselor or attend an anger management class.
C
Prednisone, a type of corticosteroid, increases a patient's emotional responses (emotional lability). It is an uncomfortable but expected side effect that will stop after the drug has been discontinued. Usually, this side effect is not a reason to stop drug therapy and counseling or anger management will not stop the responses. It is helpful for the patient to know this and to be able to tell family members that they are not responsible for the changes in the patient's emotional state.
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