Final answer:
Corticosteroids are often prescribed alongside methotrexate in the initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects which help reduce inflammation and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for a client who has a prescription for methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) would likely see a prescription for corticosteroids like cortisol to be prescribed in conjunction during the initial treatment. Corticosteroids are used to control autoimmune diseases and severe arthritis by down-regulating the inflammatory response. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and often prescribed alongside corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as to slow joint damage. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic agents are also used in the treatment of RA, corticosteroids are commonly initiated initially due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects.