Chapter 49: Corticosteroid therapy

Question 1

Review Table 49.12, Diseases/disorders treated with corticosteroids, to appreciate the wide spread use of these medications. (9)

Answer 1

*Hormone therapy
*Therapeutic effect
*Connective tissue diseases
*Endocrine diseases
*GI diseases: celiac
*Liver diseases: alcoholic hepatitis
*neuro diseases: head trauma
*Pulmonary diseases: asthma
*Other: skin diseases, cancer, immunosuppression, inflammation, nephrotic syndrome

Question 2

Review Table 49.22, Effects and side effects of corticosteroids, to understands the risks of these medications. (13)

Answer 2

1. delayed wound healing
2. fat from extremities moves to face and trunk
3. glucose intolerance
4. htn w/ increased risk for heart failure
5. hypocalcemia
6. hypokalemia
7. increased risk for infection/infection spreads more widely and rapidly
8. mood/behavior changes
9. pathologic fractures (especially vertebrae)
10. peptic ulcer disease
11. pituitary ACTH synthesis suppression
12. skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness
13. suppressed inflammatory response

Question 3

Describe important patient teaching that is need when these medications are prescribed.

6

Answer 3

*patient adherence to therapy plan
*take once daily or every other day
*take early in the am w/ food
*Danger w/ stopping abruptly
*increase intake of vit D and calcium
*low-impact exercise