Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement about corticosteroids is incorrect?
Which statement about corticosteroids is incorrect?
- Corticosteroids can cause oral candidiasis with oral use.
- Hydrocortisone should not be administered for more than 12 hours.
- Clients should take medication on an empty stomach for better absorption. (correct)
- It is important for clients to taper off the medication instead of stopping abruptly.
Which of the following medications is classified as long-acting?
Which of the following medications is classified as long-acting?
- Prednisone
- Cortisone
- Dexamethasone (correct)
- Methyl-prednisolone
What is the recommended duration of action for intermediate acting corticosteroids?
What is the recommended duration of action for intermediate acting corticosteroids?
- 8-12 hours
- 12-36 hours (correct)
- 36-48 hours
- 24-72 hours
Which of the following is a potential side effect of oral corticosteroid use?
Which of the following is a potential side effect of oral corticosteroid use?
Which of the following medications can be administered as eye drops?
Which of the following medications can be administered as eye drops?
What is a key aspect of tapering off corticosteroid therapy?
What is a key aspect of tapering off corticosteroid therapy?
Which monitoring consideration is important for patients on corticosteroids?
Which monitoring consideration is important for patients on corticosteroids?
What is a potential side effect of corticosteroid usage?
What is a potential side effect of corticosteroid usage?
How should a nurse respond if a patient is NPO before surgery but requires corticosteroids?
How should a nurse respond if a patient is NPO before surgery but requires corticosteroids?
What primary functions do corticosteroids serve?
What primary functions do corticosteroids serve?
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Study Notes
Overview of Corticosteroids
- Primary functions include decreasing inflammation and serving as hormone replacement.
- Gradual reduction in corticosteroid use is essential to prevent withdrawal symptoms; abrupt cessation is dangerous.
Monitoring Requirements
- Monitor potassium levels, which tend to decrease during treatment.
- Watch for increased glucose and sodium levels, which can lead to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure.
- Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may occur with corticosteroid use.
- Healing processes can be delayed due to corticosteroid therapy.
Steroid Administration in Surgical Context
- In cases where a client is NPO (nothing by mouth) before surgery, it's crucial to consult a physician about alternative routes for steroid administration, as they aid recovery when the body is under stress.
Short Acting Corticosteroids
- Hydrocortisone:
- Administration routes: Oral, parenteral, topical.
- Duration of effect: 8-12 hours.
- Cortisone:
- Administration routes: Oral, parenteral, topical.
- Duration of effect: 8-12 hours.
Intermediate Acting Corticosteroids
- Methylprednisolone:
- Administration routes: Oral, parenteral, topical.
- Duration of effect: 12-36 hours.
- Prednisolone:
- Administration routes: Eye drops, oral, parenteral, topical.
- Duration of effect: 12-36 hours.
- Prednisone:
- Administration: Oral only.
- Duration of effect: 12-36 hours.
Long-Acting Corticosteroids
- Bethamethasone:
- Administration routes: Oral, parenteral.
- Duration of effect: 24-72 hours.
- Dexamethasone:
- Administration routes: Eye drops, parenteral.
- Duration of effect: 24-72 hours.
Clinical Priorities for Patients
- Educate clients on signs of corticosteroid deficiency and excess.
- Oral corticosteroids may lead to oral candidiasis (thrush).
- Risks of irritation to the gastrointestinal lining with oral use.
- It is recommended to take these medications with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
- Clients should monitor their salt intake to manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
- Stress the importance of not abruptly discontinuing corticosteroids; a tapering schedule is essential for safety.
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