A client is being started on corticosteroid replacement therapy. What should the nurse teach the client about taking this medication?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "Go to your pharmacy to get annual influenza immunization and a varicella vaccine."
2. "Restrict your salt intake."
3. "Take vitamin D supplements as prescribed."
4. "Do not stop taking this medication."
5. "Stop taking this medication if you have headaches, confusion, or insomnia."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4
Rationale 1: Clients taking corticosteroids should discuss vaccination with their health care provider, as some vaccines should be avoided in some patients.
Rationale 2: There is a risk of fluid retention with this medication. By restricting sodium, the amount of fluid retained can be reduced.
Rationale 3: Because of the risk of osteoporosis, the client should be instructed to take vitamin D supplements as prescribed.
Rationale 4: The client should be instructed to not abruptly stop taking this medication.
Rationale 5: These are expected adverse reactions to the medication. The client should not be instructed to abruptly stop taking this medication.
Global Rationale: There is a risk of fluid retention with this medication. By restricting sodium, the amount of fluid retained can be reduced. Because of the risk of osteoporosis, the client should be instructed to take vitamin D supplements as prescribed. The client should be instructed to not abruptly stop taking this medication. Clients taking corticosteroids should discuss vaccination with their health care provider as some vaccines should be avoided in some patients. The patient should report headaches, confusion or insomnia, but should not stop taking the medication.