Question

Nurse is providing teaching for a patient who has MS and a new prescription for methylprednisolone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

A) "Take the medication with food."
B) "Take the medication on an empty stomach."
C) "Avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication."
D) "Expect immediate relief of symptoms after the first dose."

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the patient to take methylprednisolone with food and to avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following instructions for the patient with MS who has a new prescription for methylprednisolone:

1. Take the medication with food: Methylprednisolone can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food can help minimize these side effects.
2. Avoid sudden discontinuation of the medication: Methylprednisolone should be tapered off gradually to avoid adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly.

The nurse should not include the instruction to take the medication on an empty stomach or expect immediate relief of symptoms after the first dose. Taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach upset, and methylprednisolone may take a few days to start providing relief of symptoms.