Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has an autoimmune disease about the adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse include?

1) Weight gain
2) Increased risk of infection
3) Osteoporosis
4) Hypotension

Answer 1

Long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to increased risk of infection, weight gain, and osteoporosis as adverse effects; however, they typically cause hypertension instead of hypotension.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a client who has an autoimmune disease about the adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy, a nurse should mention several possible side effects. First, it is important to note that corticosteroids such as cortisol are used to control autoimmune diseases by down-regulating the inflammatory response which is a crucial function of the immune system. Because of this action, one of the primary adverse effects is an increased risk of infection due to the suppression of the immune system. Regular use of corticosteroids can also lead to weight gain, largely as a result of the redistribution of fat in the body, as seen in conditions like Cushing's syndrome. Another significant side effect is osteoporosis, which occurs because corticosteroids can interfere with the balance of bone remodeling, leading to bone loss. Lastly, contrary to hypotension, corticosteroids can actually cause high blood pressure (hypertension), not hypotension, as part of their side effect profile.