D. "I will report any signs of infection to my provider." Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other tissues . Prednisone reduces inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness by inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and suppressing the immune system .

One of the possible side effects of prednisone is infection, which can be serious or life-threatening due to the suppression of the immune system and increased susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens such as fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites . The client should monitor for signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, cough, wound drainage, or urinary symptoms, and report them to the provider as soon as possible . The provider may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection or adjust the dose of prednisone to prevent further complications .

The other options are incorrect because:

Option A is wrong because the client should not take prednisone every other day to prevent side effects. Prednisone should be taken as prescribed by the provider, usually once or twice daily with food or milk to prevent gastrointestinal irritation . Prednisone should not be taken every other day or on an irregular schedule, because this can cause fluctuations in blood levels and increase the risk of adverse effects or suboptimal response . Prednisone should also not be stopped abruptly, because this can cause withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or hypotension due to adrenal insufficiency . Prednisone should be tapered gradually under the supervision of the provider to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal cortisol production .

Option B is wrong because the client should not stop taking prednisone if they develop indigestion. Indigestion is a common side effect of prednisone that can be caused by irritation or ulceration of the gastric mucosa due to increased acid secretion and decreased mucus production . The client should not stop taking prednisone without consulting with the provider, because this can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen their condition . The client should take prednisone with food or milk to reduce gastric irritation and report any severe or persistent indigestion to the provider . The provider may prescribe antacids, histamine-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors to protect the stomach lining and prevent bleeding or perforation .

Option C is wrong because the client does not need to increase their intake of foods that are high in potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves, muscles, and heart. Potassium levels are normally regulated by the kidneys, which excrete excess potassium or retain potassium when needed . Prednisone does not have a significant effect on potassium levels, unlike mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone, which promote sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidney . Prednisone may interact with some drugs that can alter potassium levels, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or potassium supplements . However, these drug interactions are not specific to prednisone and can occur with any drug that affects renal function or electrolyte balance . The client should have their potassium levels monitored periodically and follow a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs . The client should not increase their intake of foods that are high in potassium without consulting with the provider, because this can cause hyperkalemia , which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest .