A patient taking a glucocorticoid for arthritis reports feeling bloated. The nurse notes edema of the patient's hands and feet. Which action by the nurse is correct?
a. Ask the patient about sodium intake.
b. Obtain a blood glucose level.
c. Suggest the patient limit potassium intake.
d. Tell the patient to stop taking the drug.
ANS: A
Because of their mineralocorticoid activity, glucocorticoids can cause sodium and water retention and potassium loss. Asking about the sodium intake can help the nurse evaluate this patient. Although glucocorticoids can affect glucose tolerance, this patient does not have signs of hyperglycemia. Patients with sodium and water retention should be encouraged to increase their potassium intake. Telling a patient to stop taking the drug is incorrect, because a glucocorticoid must be withdrawn slowly to allow time for recovery of adrenal function.
You might also like to view...
What are characteristics of dating relationships in early adolescence? (Select all that apply.)
a. One-on-one dating b. Follow ritualized "scripts" c. Are psychosocially intimate d. Involve playing stereotypic roles e. Participating in mixed-gender group activities
A nurse inspects the site where a client's basal cell carcinoma has been treated with cryosur-gery and finds that the area is red, with a blister in the center. What action should the nurse take?
A. Culture the site. B. Notify the physician. C. Apply a local anesthetic. D. Document the observation as the only action.
A client who has experienced domestic violence in the past has decided to stop participating in counseling. Which of the following statements shows that the client has benefited from therapy?
A) "Everyone knows what my problems are, and there is nothing I can do about it." B) "It is so draining to deal with the same painful issues all the time." C) "I am functioning okay now, but I know that problems will come up again. When they do I will ask for help." D) "My friends tell me that I have improved a great deal, so this is a good time to stop therapy."
For a pt with PKD, which antihypertensive medication may be used because it helps control the cell growth aspects of PKD and reduce microalbuminuria?
a. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors b. beta blockers c. calcium channel blockers d. vasodilators