Final answer:
In a health teaching plan, it's vital to inform patients that corticosteroids are used for severe arthritic flare-ups, must be tapered when discontinuing, and should not be taken with prostaglandin inhibitors to prevent adverse interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When starting a patient on corticosteroids for an arthritic condition, it is essential to include certain key pieces of information in a health teaching plan. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and hydrocortisone, are potent anti-inflammatory agents often used for the treatment of severe arthritis. They help control symptoms by down-regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Key information that should be included in the teaching plan would be that corticosteroids are typically used to control severe arthritic flare-ups and may also be prescribed for other autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, corticosteroids must be tapered over time instead of abruptly stopping the medication, to prevent adrenal insufficiency. While the half-life of these drugs can vary, it's important to explain that a gradual reduction in dosage is necessary for safety. Additionally, patients should be advised on potential interactions, such as avoiding concurrent use with prostaglandin inhibitors like NSAIDs, as well as monitoring for side effects that may occur with long-term use, such as increased susceptibility to infection.