A client with asthma is being discharged after a short stay for an exacerbation of asthma. The nurse is reviewing the medication regimen. The client asks why they are only prescribed an oral corticosteroid for 10 days. Which is the nurse's response?

Question

1. "I should call the prescriber and confirm."
2. "You can take it longer."
3. "Treatment time is usually limited to 10 days and then a reevaluation is necessary."
4. "Don't worry about it."

Answer 1

3

Rationale 1:The nurse should know that the oral corticosteroids should be taken no longer than 10 days due to adverse effects.
Rationale 2:This response does not answer the question.
Rationale 3:Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe, persistent asthma to a treatment time of 10 days.
Rationale 4:Telling the client not to worry about it is inappropriate.

Global Rationale: Oral corticosteroids are prescribed for severe, persistent asthma. Treatment time is limited to the shortest length possible, usually 5 to 7 days. If taken for longer than 10 days, oral corticosteroids may produce significant adverse effects such as adrenal gland suppression, peptic ulcers, and hyperglycemia.