Final answer:
A patient on long-term steroid therapy for asthma should be recommended to have annual eye exams to monitor for steroid-induced eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. While regular lab work and pulmonary function tests are important, they are not suggested solely based on steroid use and would be personalized to the patient's overall health needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who has been on long-term steroid therapy for their asthma would benefit from having annual eye exams. Steroids, especially when used long-term, can increase the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma, conditions that can be detected and monitored through regular eye examinations. Additionally, systemic corticosteroids can contribute to the development of ocular hypertension, which is another reason why these exams are essential for patients on chronic steroid treatment.
Lab work is indeed important for monitoring the systemic effects of long-term steroid use, such as changes in blood glucose levels, particularly in a patient with comorbid conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, this typically would not be limited to a 'every 3 months' schedule and would be more tailored to the patient's individual needs. Annual Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are also useful to assess the lung function and control of asthma but are not directly related to the monitoring of steroid side effects. Stress tests are important for evaluating cardiovascular health but are not routinely recommended solely based on long-term steroid use.