Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary use of corticosteroids?
What is the primary use of corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids do not have any adverse effects.
Corticosteroids do not have any adverse effects.
False
How long is the usual duration for short-term corticosteroid therapy?
How long is the usual duration for short-term corticosteroid therapy?
4 to 10 days
Corticosteroids should be taken with _____ to decrease gastrointestinal effects.
Corticosteroids should be taken with _____ to decrease gastrointestinal effects.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following instructions for corticosteroid use:
Match the following instructions for corticosteroid use:
Signup and view all the answers
What is one common symptom that should prompt a patient to notify their healthcare provider while on corticosteroids?
What is one common symptom that should prompt a patient to notify their healthcare provider while on corticosteroids?
Signup and view all the answers
Alternate-day therapy with corticosteroids helps maintain adrenal function.
Alternate-day therapy with corticosteroids helps maintain adrenal function.
Signup and view all the answers
What surgical procedure might a patient with gallbladder inflammation undergo?
What surgical procedure might a patient with gallbladder inflammation undergo?
Signup and view all the answers
Which inflammatory markers are often increased in older adults?
Which inflammatory markers are often increased in older adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Infants are more capable than adults of producing anti-inflammatory mediators.
Infants are more capable than adults of producing anti-inflammatory mediators.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one noninvasive imaging tool that can be used to visualize inflamed organs.
Name one noninvasive imaging tool that can be used to visualize inflamed organs.
Signup and view all the answers
The immune system in _______ is dampened as protection for the fetus.
The immune system in _______ is dampened as protection for the fetus.
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of therapy can help children cope with invasive procedures?
Which type of therapy can help children cope with invasive procedures?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following populations with their unique inflammatory characteristics:
Match the following populations with their unique inflammatory characteristics:
Signup and view all the answers
Endoscopy is often the first choice for visualizing internal organs in children.
Endoscopy is often the first choice for visualizing internal organs in children.
Signup and view all the answers
What condition is thought to be an inflammatory-mediated hypertensive disorder of pregnancy?
What condition is thought to be an inflammatory-mediated hypertensive disorder of pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which structural difference increases the risk for airway obstruction in children?
Which structural difference increases the risk for airway obstruction in children?
Signup and view all the answers
Children's kidneys are fully developed at birth, providing them with the same fluid balance capabilities as adults.
Children's kidneys are fully developed at birth, providing them with the same fluid balance capabilities as adults.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the effect of decreased nutrient absorption due to GI inflammation in children?
What is the effect of decreased nutrient absorption due to GI inflammation in children?
Signup and view all the answers
A 1 L fluid loss in a 30-lb child represents ___ dehydration.
A 1 L fluid loss in a 30-lb child represents ___ dehydration.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the children's anatomical differences with their implications in inflammation:
Match the children's anatomical differences with their implications in inflammation:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant risk of respiratory distress in infants?
What is a significant risk of respiratory distress in infants?
Signup and view all the answers
Tachycardia is an early symptom of hypovolemia in pediatric patients.
Tachycardia is an early symptom of hypovolemia in pediatric patients.
Signup and view all the answers
How does the size of a child influence the effects of fluid loss compared to adults?
How does the size of a child influence the effects of fluid loss compared to adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Corticosteroid Management
- Corticosteroids are potent medications used to treat severe inflammation, but they carry the risk of serious side effects.
- Short-term corticosteroid therapy (4-10 days) is usually enough for acute inflammation.
- Long-term corticosteroid therapy is used for autoimmune diseases and severe inflammation, with the lowest possible dose.
- Alternate-day therapy (taking medication every other day) helps the adrenal glands continue to produce cortisol.
- Patients should follow prescribed tapering schedules for short-term therapy.
- It's crucial to notify healthcare providers of any signs of infection or adverse effects, such as moon facies.
- Taking corticosteroids with food or milk helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Monitoring weight and reporting gains over 5 pounds is essential.
- Patients should limit salt intake and increase potassium intake through fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Surgical Treatment for Inflammation
- Surgical intervention is often involved in treating inflammatory conditions.
- Patients with ulcerative colitis might need surgery to remove the colon and rectum.
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is performed for gallbladder inflammation caused by gallstones or other conditions.
- Nurses are responsible for pre- and postoperative care and patient education for patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory conditions.
Lifespan Considerations: Inflammation
-
Children:
- Respiratory System: Children are at higher risk for airway obstruction due to structural differences like larger tongues, decreased airway muscle tone, shorter epiglottis, more anteriorly positioned larynx, shorter and narrower trachea, and prominent adenoid and lymphoid tissue.
- Renal System: Infants have immature glomerular filtration and urine dilution/concentration abilities leading to less efficient fluid volume compensation compared to adults.
- Cardiovascular System: Pediatric patients have a reduced sympathetic nervous system response to blood volume changes, leading to delayed tachycardia in hypovolemia.
- GI System: Children are more susceptible to the effects of inflammation reducing nutrient absorption due to higher metabolic rates and less stored fat.
- Immune System: Macrophages in children are more responsive to pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to increased inflammatory mediator production. Infants have a lower capacity to produce anti-inflammatory mediators.
- Imaging: Ultrasound with contrast agents is a suitable option for visualizing inflamed organs in children due to reduced need for invasive procedures.
Inflammation in Pregnant Women
- Immune System: Pregnant women have a dampened immune system to protect the fetus.
- Preeclampsia: Hypothesized to be an inflammatory-mediated hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
- Increased Sensitivity: The altered immune system can lead to hypersensitivity to nonpathogenic stimuli and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Inflammation in Older Adults
- Inflammatory Markers: C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNFα levels are often elevated in older adults and obese individuals.
- Increased Frailty: Higher inflammatory marker levels are associated with increased fragility in older adults.
- Increased Morbidity: Elevated inflammatory markers are linked to increased morbidity, comorbid conditions, and higher hospitalization rates.
- Reducing Inflammation: Dietary modifications and resistance training can help manage inflammation in older adults.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the management of corticosteroids, a class of medications used to treat inflammation. This quiz covers both short-term and long-term therapies, the risks associated, and important patient monitoring. Understand the critical aspects of corticosteroid therapy and ensure safe usage.
