Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is taking prednisone for long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this drug?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Bone loss. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures due to its negative effects on bone density. The long-term use of prednisone can cause bone loss by interfering with the normal bone remodeling process, leading to decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. Monitoring for bone loss in older adults taking prednisone is crucial to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
A: Hemolytic anemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone.
B: Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic medications, not prednisone.
C: Liver toxicity is a potential adverse effect of some medications, but it is not a primary concern with prednisone.
E, F, G: These choices are not provided in the question.
A: Hemolytic anemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone.
B: Hypoglycemia is more commonly associated with insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic medications, not prednisone.
C: Liver toxicity is a potential adverse effect of some medications, but it is not a primary concern with prednisone.
E, F, G: These choices are not provided in the question.