Steroids= stress and swelling hormone

Question 1

what are steroids’ usually used for?

Answer 1

COPD=swelling of the lungs

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Allergic reaction
• Lupus

Question 2

What are examples of steriods?

Answer 2

• Prednisone
• Methylprednisolone= solumedrol
• Beclomethasone
• Triamcinolone-Azamacort
• Dexamethasone
• Hydrocortisone
• Fludrocortisone

Question 3

Common side effects:

Answer 3

• Hyperglycemia
• Hypokalemia-LOW POTASSIUM
• Mood changes
• skin thinning
• increased intraocular pressure (IOP)

immune suppression

• delayed wound healing
• growth retardation
• hypertension= high blood pressure
• Hirsutism= excessive hair growth
• Acne
• Cushing’s disease =too much cortisol which is the stress hormone
• Menstrual irregularities

Question 4

how are steriods administered?

Answer 4

• administer with or after meals= take with a full meal at breakfast
• rinse mouth after use of inhaled steroid to avoid oral thrush or candida.

Question 5

Client teaching about steriods?

Answer 5

• SLOWLY tapper the dose NEVER ABRUPTLY
• wear a medic alert bracelet
• avoid stress
• increase POTASSIUM AND PROTEIN
• Monitor glucose

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Question 6

what should be reported immediately when on steroids?

Answer 6

1. ) new, excessive, sudden or rapid weight gain.
2. ) low grade fever that is 100 degress is a priority. NCLEX
3. ) New bilateral pedal edema
4. ) signs and symptoms of infection since the immune system is suppressed sepsis or infection is a major risk

Question 7

what should be done when a diabetic is on a steroid?

Answer 7

increase the insulin since steriods increase blood sugar or cause hyperglycemia.

Question 8

how is an Addisonian crisis prevented?

Answer 8

slowly taper off the steriod never abruptly.

Question 9

when should a steriod be increased?

Answer 9

during periods of stress of surgery

Question 10

what are the risks associated with steroid use?

Answer 10

1. ) fractures= due to skinny bones and muscle= osteoporosis
2. ) cataracts due to increased intra ocular pressure
3. ) sepsis or infection due to immune suppression
4. ) swollen= water gain=weight gain= moon face and big blood pressure

Question 11

which is an indication that the client needs additional teaching while taking fludrocortisone?

Answer 11

new bilateral pedal edema is normal= this needs to be reported

Question 12

tropical agents?

Answer 12

-contact dermatitis

hypopigmentation=possible adverse effect when applied topically or injected locally

-maceration=softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture