Question

A patient sees the nurse practitioner for a psoriasis flare-up. The nurse practitioner prescribes halcinonide (Halog), a potent steroid, for the patient. Which of the following is important for the nurse practitioner to include in her orders?

a. Taper steroid due to potency.
b. Use topical steroid with concurrent oral Prednisone.
c. If area becomes inflammed and painful, patient should continue to apply halcinonide (Halog) and cover with bandage and plastic wrap.
d. The patient may apply with on subsequent areas of plaques including the face, hands, arms and legs.

Answer 1

It is important for the nurse practitioner to include instructions to taper the potent steroid halcinonide when prescribing it for a patient with psoriasis flare-up.

Step-by-step explanation:

When prescribing halcinonide (Halog), a potent steroid, for a patient with psoriasis flare-up, it is important for the nurse practitioner to include the instruction to taper the steroid due to its potency. Tapering the steroid gradually reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust to lower doses.

Example: The nurse practitioner may include instructions to start with a higher dose of halcinonide and gradually decrease the dose over a period of time.

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