Question

When teaching the client with adrenal insufficiency about cortisone, the nurse should include which items?

Option 1: Increase intake of sodium.
Option 2: Take the medication with food.
Option 3: Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
Option 4: Stay away from people with active infections.
Option 5: Discontinue the medication when symptoms subside.
Option 6: Notify the health care provider if illness occurs or surgery is anticipated.

Answer 1

When educating a client with adrenal insufficiency, the nurse should advise increasing sodium intake, taking cortisone with food, avoiding people with infections, and consulting a healthcare provider if illness or surgery is anticipated.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client with adrenal insufficiency about cortisone, a nurse should include several important points. First, it is important to increase the intake of sodium as patients may have salt cravings due to the loss of sodium. Secondly, cortisone should always be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, patients should avoid people with active infections because cortisone can suppress the immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections. It is also crucial to discontinue the medication only under a doctor’s supervision and to notify the health care provider if illness occurs or if surgery is anticipated, as the dosage may need to be adjusted to cope with the increased stress on the body.