Problem
Case Study: The patient is an older adult with severe COPD. The home health nurse makes a home visit. The patient's physical exam shows he has mild to moderate shortness of breath and is able to sit up in the chair for short periods of time with supplemental oxygen. The patient's current medication regimen includes an inhaled bronchodilator, an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and oral prednisone. The patient states he is concerned about the side effects of his medications and wants to stop taking his "steroids".
a) Create a list of questions you would ask the patient to determine if he is experiencing any adverse effects from the corticosteroids.
b) What would you tell this patient about abruptly discontinuing the corticosteroids?