What do steroids do in nursing?

Understanding the Role of Steroids in Nursing
Steroids, particularly corticosteroids, play a significant role in nursing and patient care, primarily due to their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These medications are essential in managing a variety of conditions, from autoimmune diseases to respiratory issues, and understanding their use is crucial for nurses who are on the front lines of patient treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, particularly cortisol, which is vital in regulating inflammation and immune responses. When administered, these steroids work by inhibiting the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, thereby providing relief from symptoms associated with conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in acute settings, where rapid control of inflammation can be life-saving.
Common Uses in Nursing
In nursing practice, corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for conditions such as:
– Asthma and COPD: Inhaled steroids are commonly used to manage chronic respiratory conditions, helping to reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.
– Autoimmune Diseases: Steroid pulse therapy is often employed to manage flare-ups in diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis. Nurses play a critical role in educating patients about their treatment plans and potential side effects.
– Post-Surgical Care: Steroids may be used to reduce inflammation following surgical procedures, aiding in quicker recovery times.
Side Effects and Nursing Considerations
While steroids are effective, they come with a range of potential side effects that nurses must monitor. Common side effects include weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and susceptibility to infections. Long-term use can lead to more severe complications, such as osteoporosis and adrenal suppression. Therefore, nurses must conduct thorough assessments and provide patient education on the importance of adhering to prescribed dosages and recognizing signs of adverse effects.
Nurses also need to be aware of the psychological effects of steroid use, which can include mood swings and anxiety. This aspect is particularly important in patient care, as emotional support may be necessary.
Patient Education and Empowerment
A crucial aspect of nursing care involving steroids is patient education. Nurses are responsible for informing patients about the purpose of their medication, how to take it correctly, and what side effects to watch for. This education is vital, especially for patients who may be discharged shortly after receiving steroid treatments. Empowering patients with knowledge not only enhances their understanding of their health conditions but also promotes adherence to treatment regimens.
Conclusion
In summary, steroids are a powerful tool in nursing, offering significant benefits in managing inflammation and autoimmune conditions. However, their use requires careful monitoring and patient education to mitigate potential side effects. As frontline caregivers, nurses play an essential role in ensuring that patients receive the full benefits of steroid therapy while minimizing risks, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

What is the role of steroids in all?

Steroids are often given with chemotherapy to help destroy leukaemia cells or to reduce allergic reactions to some chemotherapy drugs. The most commonly used steroids for ALL include prednisolone and dexamethasone.

What is the main function of steroids?

Steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema. Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against illness and infection.

What do steroids play a role in management of?

Because of these effects, corticosteroids play a crucial part in treating a large number of inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, allergic conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, multiple sclerosis, hematological cancers, …

When nursing a patient on steroids, the nurse should?

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent hand hygiene.

Can steroids elevate lactate?

In both humans and dogs, administration of corticosteroids can increase blood lactate concentration, leading to type B hyperlactatemia. This effect could be a consequence of the impact of corticosteroids on glucose metabolism.

What should you assess before giving steroids?

Prior to starting treatment, assess for risk factors or pre-existing conditions that may potentially be exacerbated by steroid therapy, such as:

• Diabetes.
• Dyslipidemia.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Affective disorders.
• Osteoporosis.

What is the purpose of giving steroids?

When prescribed in certain doses, corticosteroids help reduce inflammation. This can ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma and skin rashes. Corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. This can help control conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

What do steroids do nursing?

Oral prednisone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system. Methylprednisolone IV prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It also suppresses the immune system.

Why would a patient be on steroids?

Steroids are also used to help manage the side effects of cancer treatment. They’re very effective at treating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. During immunotherapy, sometimes the immune system will react by damaging some of the patient’s organs.

What should I monitor when giving steroids?

NICE recommends that blood pressure (BP, secondary hypertension), weight (Wt, gain), glucose (DM), triglycerides (TG, hypertriglyceridaemia) and glucose and urea and electrolytes (U&Es, adrenal insufficiency) are monitored regularly.