Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for prednisone and takes 1500mg/day of calcium carbonate to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Which of the following information should the nurse include? S.A.T.A

A. Take calcium with meals
B. Monitor for signs of hypercalcemia
C. Separate prednisone and calcium doses by at least 2 hours
D. Discontinue calcium if experiencing gastrointestinal upset

Answer 1

The nurse should include information on taking calcium with meals, monitoring for signs of hypercalcemia, separating prednisone and calcium doses by at least 2 hours, and not discontinuing calcium if experiencing gastrointestinal upset.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following information:

1. Take calcium with meals: Taking calcium carbonate with meals helps enhance absorption and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
2. Monitor for signs of hypercalcemia: High doses of calcium carbonate can lead to hypercalcemia, which is characterized by symptoms such as thirst, excessive urination, constipation, and muscle weakness. It's important to monitor for these signs and symptoms and report them to the healthcare provider.
3. Separate prednisone and calcium doses by at least 2 hours: Prednisone can interfere with calcium absorption, so it's recommended to take the two medications at different times to ensure optimal absorption of both.
4. Do not discontinue calcium if experiencing gastrointestinal upset: Discontinuing calcium may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Instead, the client should consult with their healthcare provider to explore alternative options or ways to manage the gastrointestinal symptoms.