A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a parent of a child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and a new prescription for prednisone. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

The correct answer is A: "Monitor your child for indications of infection." It is crucial for the nurse to include this statement in the teaching because prednisone, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system, increasing the child's susceptibility to infections. By monitoring for signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or unusual fatigue, the parent can promptly seek medical attention if needed to prevent complications.

Incorrect choices:
B: Discontinuing prednisone abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition.
C: Prednisone does not typically require restricting potassium-rich foods; rather, it may increase the risk of osteoporosis, so calcium intake should be considered.
D: Prednisone may affect growth, potentially causing growth delay rather than a spurt. Monitoring growth is important during treatment.