Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis ( 15 Questions)
What should the nurse monitor for as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy?
The nurse should monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency and hyperglycemia as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency, which can manifest as weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain. Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) is a common side effect of corticosteroids and can worsen diabetes or predispose non-diabetic individuals to high blood sugar levels.
Decreased oxygen saturation levels are not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation, which can actually improve oxygenation in conditions like epiglottitis by reducing airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Allergic reactions to corticosteroids are possible, but they are relatively rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. While allergic reactions are a concern with any medication, they are not the primary side effect that nurses should monitor for when administering corticosteroids.
Increased sensitivity to antibiotics is not a known side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, but they do not affect the body's sensitivity to antibiotics. Antibiotic effectiveness is determined by factors such as the specific antibiotic used, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should monitor for signs of adrenal insufficiency and hyperglycemia as potential side effects of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency, which can manifest as weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.
Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) is a common side effect of corticosteroids and can worsen diabetes or predispose non-diabetic individuals to high blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased oxygen saturation levels are not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids help reduce airway inflammation, which can actually improve oxygenation in conditions like epiglottitis by reducing airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale:
Allergic reactions to corticosteroids are possible, but they are relatively rare.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
While allergic reactions are a concern with any medication, they are not the primary side effect that nurses should monitor for when administering corticosteroids.
Choice D rationale:
Increased sensitivity to antibiotics is not a known side effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, but they do not affect the body's sensitivity to antibiotics.
Antibiotic effectiveness is determined by factors such as the specific antibiotic used, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and antibiotic resistance patterns.