A nurse is screening clients for adrenal insufficiency. The nurse recognizes that which client is at greatest risk for adrenal insufficiency?
A 19-year-old male on low dose steroids for a week
A 35-year-old female who completed 3 weeks of steroids.
An 80-year-old female who takes steroids daily.
A 45-year old male with COPD who uses intermittent steroids.
The Correct Answer is C
A. A short-term, low-dose steroid use (one week) has minimal risk for adrenal suppression.
B. Three weeks of steroids increases risk, but daily use presents a higher risk.
C. Prolonged daily steroid use, especially in an older adult, poses the greatest risk for adrenal insufficiency due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
D. Intermittent steroid use is less likely to cause adrenal insufficiency compared to daily long-term use.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Elevated PTH levels lead to increased calcium reabsorption from bones and enhanced calcium absorption in the kidneys, which can result in hypercalcemia and increase the risk of renal calculi (kidney stones).
B. Irritability and anxiety are not directly associated with high PTH levels. They are more often linked to thyroid hormone imbalances.
C. Frequent diarrhea is not a common symptom of elevated PTH levels; instead, hypercalcemia can lead to constipation.
D. Tetany and muscle pain are more commonly associated with low calcium levels, such as in hypoparathyroidism, not elevated PTH.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Keeping the room brightly lit can be overstimulating and may increase ICP; therefore, a calm, dimly lit environment is preferable.
B. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises could increase ICP and should be avoided unless specifically indicated.
C. Placing the client in a supine position is not recommended for clients with increased ICP; they should typically be positioned with the head elevated to promote venous drainage.
D. Implementing seizure precautions is critical as head injuries can lead to seizures, and ensuring the client's safety is a priority.