FERNANDEZ, Bianca Nicole G.
23-25, 2020
BSN 3B-2a
Generic name/Brand Name Mode of Action Side Effect/Adverse Effect
Drug Classification
Generic Name Exerts potent anti-inflammatory SIDE EFFECTS
Prednisone (glucocorticoid) and weak sodium-retaining Frequent: Insomnia, heartburn,
(mineralocorticoid) activity. Glucocorticoid nervousness, abdominal distention,
Brand Name activity causes profound and varied metabolic diaphoresis,
Delacortril , Deltastab , effects. acne, mood swings, increased
Precortisyl , Prelone • inhibiting neutrophil and monocyte appetite, facial flushing, delayed
accumulation at inflammation site and wound healing,
Drug Classification suppressing their phagocytic and increased susceptibility to infection,
Chemical class: bactericidal activity diarrhea, constipation.
Glucocorticoid • stabilizing lysosomal membranes
• suppressing antigen response of Occasional:
Therapeutic class: macrophages and helper T cells Headache, edema, change in skin
Anti-inflammatory, • inhibiting synthesis of inflammatory color, frequent urination.
immunosuppressant response mediators, such as cytokines,
interleukins, and prostaglandins. Rare: Tachycardia,
allergic reaction (rash, urticaria),
psychological changes,
hallucinations, depression.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
CNS: Euphoria, headache, insomnia,
nervousness, psychosis, restlessness,
seizures, vertigo
CV: Edema, heart failure,
hypertension
EENT: Cataracts, exophthalmos,
glaucoma,
increased ocular pressure
ENDO: Adrenal insufficiency,
Cushing’s syndrome, growth
suppression in children,
hyperglycemia
GI: Anorexia, GI bleeding and
ulceration, increased appetite,
indigestion, intestinal perforation,
Geriatric Ward Nov.
CI: Ma’am Gloria Calabson
Nursing Responsibility
Patient monitoring
● Monitor weight, blood pressure,
and electrolyte levels.
● Watch for cushingoid effects (moon
face, central obesity, buffalo hump,
hair thinning, high blood pressure,
frequent infections).
● Assess patient for depression and
psychosis.
● Monitor blood glucose level
carefully in diabetic patient.
● Evaluate for signs and symptoms of
infection, which drug may mask or
exacerbate.
● Monitor for signs and symptoms of
early adrenal insufficiency (fatigue,
weakness, joint pain, fever, anorexia,
shortness of breath, dizziness,
syncope).
● Assess musculoskeletal status for
joint, tendon, and muscle pain.
Administration
● Be aware that prednisolone has
many different formulations that may
be given by various routes: P.O., I.M.,
or ophthalmic. Before administering,
make sure formulation can be given
by prescribed route.
● Don’t break ODT tablets.
● Place ODT tablet on tongue and
either swallow tablet whole or allow
it to dissolve in mouth with or without
water.
● Inject I.M. form deep into gluteal
FERNANDEZ, Bianca Nicole G.
BSN 3B-2a
nausea, pancreatitis, vomiting
GU: Menstrual irregularities
MS: Avascular necrosis of joints,
bone fractures, muscle atrophy or
weakness,
myalgia, osteoporosis
SKIN: Acne; diaphoresis;
ecchymosis; flushing; petechiae;
striae; thin, fragile skin
Other: Delayed wound healing,
hypernatremia, hypokalemia, negative
nitrogen
balance
Geriatric Ward Nov. 23-25, 2020
CI: Ma’am Gloria Calabson
muscle. Rotate injection sites.
● Avoid subcutaneous injection.
2In systemic therapy, don’t
discontinue
drug abruptly, even if inhaled steroid
is added.
● Know that additional
corticosteroids are needed during
stress or trauma.
Patient teaching
● Tell patient to take oral dose with
food or milk to reduce GI upset.
● Instruct patient to remove ODT
tablet from blister just before taking.
● Instruct patient to place ODT tablet
on tongue and either swallow tablet
whole or allow it to dissolve in mouth
with or without water. Caution patient
not to cut, split, or break tablet.
● Teach patient to recognize and
immediately report cushingoid effects
and signs and symptoms of early
adrenal
insufficiency.
● Advise patient and significant
other to immediately report
depression or psychosis.