A client with asthma is being discharged after a short stay for an exacerbation of asthma. The nurse ...

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Rationale 1:The nurse should know that the oral corticosteroids should be taken no longer than 10 days due to adverse effects.
Rationale 2:This response does not answer the question.
Rationale 3:Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe, persistent asthma to a treatment time of 10 days.
Rationale 4:Telling the client not to worry about it is inappropriate.

Global Rationale: Oral corticosteroids are prescribed for severe, persistent asthma. Treatment time is limited to the shortest length possible, usually 5 to 7 days. If taken for longer than 10 days, oral corticosteroids may produce significant adverse effects such as adrenal gland suppression, peptic ulcers, and hyperglycemia.