Question

In prescribing prednisone for the patient with Bells palsy, the NP considers that its use:

A. Has not been shown to be helpful in improving outcomes in the condition.
B. Should be initiated asap after the onset of facial paralysis.
C. Is likely to help minimize ocular symptoms.
D. May prolong the course of the disease.

Answer 1

Prednisone should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of facial paralysis in Bell's palsy to reduce swelling of the facial nerve, potentially improving outcomes and minimizing ocular symptoms. It is considered a standard treatment and does not prolong the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

In prescribing prednisone for the patient with Bell's palsy, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) considers that its use should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of facial paralysis. The efficacy of prednisone is based on its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the swelling of the facial nerve. This, in turn, can potentially improve outcomes in the condition by reducing nerve damage and promoting faster recovery. One of the challenges in treating Bell's palsy is ocular involvement since facial nerve paralysis can affect the ability to close the eyelid, leading to exposure and drying of the cornea. Prednisone may help minimize these ocular symptoms through its anti-inflammatory effect. There is no evidence to suggest that prednisone prolongs the course of the disease; rather, it is often considered a part of the standard treatment protocol for Bell's palsy.