The nurse administers an initial dose of a steroid to a patient with asthma.Thirty minutes after administration,the nurse finds the patient agitated and stating that "everyone is out to get me." What is the term for this unusual reaction?
A) Desired action
B) Adverse effect
C) Idiosyncratic reaction
D) Allergic reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or abnormal reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose or the pharmacological action of the drug. In this case, the patient's agitation and paranoia after receiving a steroid, which is not a typical or expected side effect of steroids, would be considered an idiosyncratic reaction.

The Nurse Administers an Initial Dose of a Steroid to a Patient