Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 83

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A nurse in the emergency department assesses a patient who has been taking long-term corticosteroids to treat renal disease. Which of the following is a typical side effect of corticosteroid treatment? Select all that apply.

  

     A. Hypertension

     B. Cushingoid features

     C. Hyponatremia

     D. Low serum albumin

     E. Mood swings

    

Correct Answer: A, B, D, and E.

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Side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain, fluid retention with hypertension, Cushingoid features, low serum albumin, suppressed inflammatory response, and mood swings. Patients are encouraged to eat a diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and low in sodium.

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Option C: Corticosteroids cause hypernatremia and not hyponatremia.

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