A client with an exacerbation of COPD is receiving steroid therapy in tapering doses.The nurse recognizes that this approach is medically appropriate because it applies what principle of up-regulation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Up-regulation requires time for regrowth of cell-wall hormone receptors. Tapering doses of steroids allow for the body to slowly adjust to the decrease in steroid levels and up-regulate cell-wall hormone receptors over time. This allows the body to maintain a balance without abruptly stopping steroid therapy. Option A is incorrect because up-regulation increases the sensitivity of the cell-wall hormone receptors, not decreases. Option B is incorrect because up-regulation increases the number of receptors on the cell-wall surface, not decreases. Option D is incorrect because up-regulation does not change the configuration of cell-wall hormone receptors, but it does increase their sensitivity and number.

A Client with an Exacerbation of COPD Is Receiving Steroid