A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for prednisone to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

Choice A rationale Increasing sodium in the diet is incorrect. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can cause sodium and water retention, leading to fluid overload, edema, and hypertension. Therefore, clients taking prednisone should often restrict sodium intake to mitigate these side effects and manage fluid balance effectively. Choice B rationale Taking prednisone on an empty stomach is incorrect. Prednisone can irritate the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of peptic ulcers due to its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects such as dyspepsia and ulceration, it is recommended to take prednisone with food or milk. Choice C rationale Watching for weight loss is incorrect. Prednisone commonly causes weight gain due to increased appetite, fluid retention, and alterations in fat metabolism (e.g., central adiposity). Therefore, clients should be more vigilant for weight gain rather than weight loss as an expected side effect of long-term therapy. Choice D rationale Prednisone, being a glucocorticoid, causes immunosuppression by inhibiting the inflammatory response and decreasing lymphocyte activity. This makes clients more susceptible to infections. A sore throat can be an early sign of an infection, necessitating prompt reporting to the provider for assessment and potential intervention to prevent serious complications.