Prednisone
PATIENT NAME ___________________________________ SOC _______________
INITIAL
Action of prednisone.
______ ______ A. To decrease inflammation.
______ ______ B. For replacement therapy in adrenalcortical deficiency.
Possible adverse reactions.
______ ______ A. Headache.
______ ______ B. Nausea/vomiting.
______ ______ C. Acne.
______ ______ D. Appetite increase or decrease.
______ ______ E. Delayed wound healing.
______ ______ F. Dizziness.
______ ______ G. Urination at night time.
______ ______ H. Insomnia.
______ ______ I. Headache.
______ ______ J. Muscle weakness.
______ ______ K. Weight gain.
______ ______ L. High blood pressure.
______ ______ M. Fever.
______ ______ N. Fatigue.
______ ______ O. Back or rib pain.
______ ______ P. Abdominal pain.
______ ______ Q. Bloody or tarry stools.
______ ______ R. Allergic reaction.
Precautions when taking prednisone.
______ ______ A. Take prednisone with food or milk to decrease gastric distress.
______ ______ B. Follow a salt-restricted diet that is high in potassium and protein as ordered.
______ ______ C. Weigh daily and report any sudden increase to physician.
______ ______ D. Never stop taking abruptly, but discontinue it gradually, decreasing doses as
ordered. (May be fatal if stopped abruptly.)
______ ______ E. Withdrawal symptoms include rebound inflammation, fatigue, weakness,
arthralgia, fever, dizziness, lethargy, depression, fainting, orthostatic hypotension,
dyspnea, anorexia.
______ ______ F. Give once-daily doses in the morning for less toxicity.
______ ______ G. Avoid over-the-counter medications without approval from physician, especially
those with aspirin, sodium, or alcohol.
______ ______ H. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet.
______ ______ I. Exercise daily to decrease possibility of osteoporosis.
______ ______ J. Steroids may decrease contraceptive action of oral contraceptives.
______ ______ K. Report any signs of slow healing. (Prednisone may mask or exacerbate
infections.)
______ ______ L. Perform measures to prevent infection because of increased susceptibility:
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Prednisone
PATIENT NAME ___________________________________ SOC _______________
______ ______ 1. Avoid crowds or contact with people with infections.
______ ______ 2. Provide good hygiene and cleanliness.
______ ______ 3. Provide good foot care.
______ ______ M. Report any signs of hyperglycemia, i.e., sweating, shakiness, fruity odor of
breath, etc.
______ ______ N. Report any early signs of adrenal insufficiency, i.e., fatigue, muscular weakness,
joint pain, fever, anorexia, nausea, dyspnea, dizziness, fainting, etc.
______ ______ O. Report any signs of cushingoid symptoms if on long-term dosage, i.e., facial or
visual changes, easy bruising, amenorrhea, edema, humpback, etc.
______ ______ P. Report any signs of depression or psychotic episodes while taking high dose
therapy.
______ ______ Q. Keep follow-up appointments with physician.
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