A client with a foot wound is prescribed short-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy. What will the nurse assess as indications that the medication is effective?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Reduction in swelling
2. Reduced purulent drainage
3. Increased bleeding
4. Increased warmth to the area
5. Buildup of necrotic tissue

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: Corticosteroids decrease the numbers of circulating lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils. They inhibit the movement of macrophages and leukocytes to areas of inflammation. They also decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, including histamine, bradykinin, interferons, interleukins, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and decrease the formation of prostaglandins.
Rationale 2: Corticosteroids decrease the numbers of circulating lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils. They inhibit the movement of macrophages and leukocytes to areas of inflammation. They also decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, including histamine, bradykinin, interferons, interleukins, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and decrease the formation of prostaglandins.
Rationale 3: Corticosteroids do not increase bleeding.
Rationale 4: Corticosteroids do not increase blood flow or warmth to the area.
Rationale 5: Corticosteroid therapy does not cause a buildup of necrotic tissue.
Global Rationale: Corticosteroids decrease the numbers of circulating lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils. They inhibit the movement of macrophages and leukocytes to areas of inflammation. They also decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, including histamine, bradykinin, interferons, interleukins, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and decrease the formation of prostaglandins. They do not increase bleeding, increase blood flow and warmth to the area, or cause a buildup of necrotic tissue.