Mr. Johnson, a 57-year-old male, was recently diagnosed with severe allergic asthma. His provider prescribes prednisone (a corticosteroid) to reduce inflammation and improve his breathing. He has been instructed to take 40 mg orally daily for the next 5 days, followed by a gradual taper. During the course of treatment. Mr. Johnson reports feeling increasingly fatigued, experiencing swelling in his legs, and noticing a weight gain of 3 pounds over the last 3 days. He also mentions having difficulty sleeping. What is the nurse's primary concern regarding Mr. Johnson's symptoms (fatigue, swelling, weight gain, difficulty sleeping while on prednisone therapy?

A. These symptoms are signs of an allergic reaction to the medication.: Allergic reactions to prednisone are uncommon and usually present with rash, itching, or anaphylaxis rather than fatigue, edema, or weight gain. Mr. Johnson’s symptoms do not align with typical hypersensitivity responses. B. These are expected side effects of short-term corticosteroid use.: While short-term prednisone use can cause minor side effects such as mood changes or insomnia, significant fluid retention, rapid weight gain, and swelling are more concerning and not typical of brief therapy. C. These symptoms may indicate fluid retention and potential electrolyte imbalances: Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, leading to edema, rapid weight gain, and fatigue. Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hypokalemia, may also occur. Monitoring and notifying the provider is important to prevent cardiovascular complications. D. These symptoms are due to an underlying infection caused by the medication.: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk, but the described symptoms do not specifically indicate infection. Fatigue and swelling are more consistent with fluid and electrolyte effects rather than an infectious process.