The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is taking prednisone 40 mg daily. Which of these assessment data obtained by the nurse indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids have the potential to cause diabetes mellitus. The finding of an elevated blood glucose reflects this adverse effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids increase appetite and lead to weight gain. An elevated ESR and no improvement in symptoms would indicate that the prednisone was not effective but would not be adverse effects of the medication.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with an Exacerbation