Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine
herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Monitor serum electrolytes and glucose. May cause
None known for this patient hyperglycemia, especially in persons with diabetes..
Patients on prolonged therapy should routinely have
hematologic values, serum electrolytes, and serum and
urine glucose evaluated. May ↓ WBCs. May ↓ serum
potassium and calcium and ↑ serum sodium concentrations
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Cause immunosuppression and may mask symptoms of
infection. Instruct patient to avoid people with known
contagious illnesses and to report possible infections
immediately, caution patient to avoid vaccinations without
first consulting health care professional, review side effects
with patient. Instruct patient to inform health care
professional promptly if severe abdominal pain or tarry
stools occur. Patient should also report unusual swelling,
weight gain, tiredness, bone pain, bruising, non-healing
sores, visual disturbances, or behavior changes.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess patient for signs of adrenal med? Decrease in presenting
insufficiency (hypotension, weight loss, Do not hold dose, these drugs must be symptoms with minimal
weakness, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, gradually decreased. systemic side effects.
lethargy, confusion, restlessness) before
and periodically during therapy.