Pharmocology

Question 1

Corticosteroids
prednisone
methylprednisolone
dexamethasone
hydrocortisone
beclomethasone

Answer 1

Taper, don’t stop suddenly: Always taper
corticosteroids slowly to prevent adrenal
insufficiency—never stop them abruptly!

Question 2

Hyperglycemia: Corticosteroids

Answer 2

Monitor blood sugar levels closely,
especially in clients with diabetes. Be aware
of signs of high blood sugar (increased thirst,
frequent urination, blurred vision).

Question 3

Infection risk:

Answer 3

Corticosteroids suppress the
immune system, so watch for and teach clients to
recognize signs of infection (fever, sore throat).
Avoid crowded places and practice good hand
hygiene.

Question 4

Osteoporosis prevention:

Answer 4

Encourage calcium
and vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing
exercise to reduce the risk of bone loss.

Question 5

Monitor weight and edema:

Answer 5

Monitor for fluid
retention and hypertension.

Question 6

Cushing Syndrome

Answer 6

Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels (either from overproduction or long-term
corticosteroid use) can cause a condition of excess cortisol known Cushing syndrome

Question 7

Monitor

Answer 7

Monitor for classic findings of Cushing syndrome (moon face, buffalo hump) and notify HCP for possible dose adjustment.