Effects of Drug on Patient:
Common Uses:
- Arthritis, asthma, colitis, severe allergies, skin diseases, lupus, cancer, and endocrine disorders
Prednisone may cause...
- A lowered immune system response, fluid and salt retention, increased blood sugar, and growth suppression (in children)
Impact on the Endocrine System:
Nursing Implications:
- Suppresses the function of the adrenal glands, which reduces the levels of hormones secreted by the organ.
- These hormones include: cortisol, dehydroepiandosterone, andosterone, aldosterone, and tetrahydrocorticosterone
- Obtain baseline vitals and keep track of things such as - I&O patterns/ratio, blood pressure, weight, blood glucose levels, and sleep patterns.
- Check lab tests for serum electrolyte levels
- Look for signs of masked infection and delayed wound healing.
- Monitor patient's bone density.
- Watch for changes in mood and behavior.
- Take the drug as prescribed - Do not abruptly stop taking this medication
- Take this medication with food/milk to avoid stomach upset
- Be aware of the medication side effects and know that weight gain is normal
- Avoid or limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine - can lead to the development of an ulcer when mixed with the medication
- Report slow healing wounds and signs of infection to physician
- Tell a new dentist or new physician that you are taking Prednisone and why you are taking it
Side Effects:
- Edema
- Increased sweating
- Carbohydrate intolerance
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Headache
- Acne
- Facial erythema
- Rash
- Thinning hair/Hair loss
- Insomnia
Mechanism of Action:
- Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid.
- Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones made by the adrenal gland.
- Prednisone creates moderate anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
- Controls/prevents inflammation.
Prednisone Concept Map
Adverse Effects:
- Confusion
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Cushingoid (facial puffiness and weight gain)
- Muscle weakness
- Delayed wound healing
- Osteoporosis
- Spontaneous bone fractures
- Cataracts
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypokalemia
- Hypernatremia
Adrenal Corticosteroid
References:
- Busse, M. (2015, May 7). Prednisone effects on adrenal glands. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/204027-prednisone-effects-on-adrenal-glands/
- Drug Bank: Prednisone. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from Drug Bank, https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00635
- LLC, W. (2015, September 8). Prednisone Intensol (prednisone) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from Medscape, http://reference.medscape.com/drug/prednisone-intensol-342747#10
- Prednisone oral: Uses, side effects, interactions, pictures, warnings & Dosing. (2005). Retrieved September 20, 2016, from WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6007-9383/prednisone-oral/prednisone---oral/details
- PREDNISONE. Retrieved September 20, 2016, from ROB HOLLAND, http://www.robholland.com/Nursing/Drug_Guide/data/monographframes/P073.html
- Prednisone, oral tablet. (2005). Retrieved September 20, 2016, from Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/drugs/prednisone/oral-tablet#Highlights1