Question

The nurse is caring for a client with inflammatory bowel disease who is being treated with corticosteroids. Which information would the nurse provide for the client about the medications?

1) Take with food or at mealtimes
2) Expect weight loss
3) It may cause low blood pressure.
4) Reduce intake of foods high in sodium
5) Take medication consistently and do not stop abruptly

Answer 1

When taking corticosteroids for inflammatory bowel disease, the nurse would advise the client to take the medication with food, reduce sodium intake, and take the medication consistently.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with inflammatory bowel disease who is being treated with corticosteroids, the nurse would provide the following information about the medications:

1. Take with food or at mealtimes: Corticosteroids can irritate the stomach lining, so taking them with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
2. Reduce intake of foods high in sodium: Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure, so it is important to reduce sodium intake to manage these side effects.
3. Take medication consistently and do not stop abruptly: Corticosteroids should be taken as prescribed and gradually tapered off to avoid withdrawal symptoms and potential risks.