Question

a clients prescription of prednisone for the management of asthma is to be discontinued. which information is important for the nurse to give the client?

a the remaining capsules in the medication bottle should be taken until empty.

b the medication should be taken if wheezing and stridor occurs.

c the dose of the medication should be tapered over the course of 7 to 10 days.

d the medication should be stopped immediately.

Explanation:

Prednisone is a corticosteroid. Abrupt discontinuation (options A, B, D are incorrect as A suggests taking remaining without tapering, B uses it as rescue which it's not for asthma rescue, D is abrupt stop) can cause adrenal insufficiency. Tapering over 7 - 10 days (option C) allows the body to adjust and resume natural cortisol production.

Answer:

C. The dose of the medication should be tapered over the course of 7 to 10 days.