Before administering glucocorticoids, the nurse should assess the patient for which condition?

Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids that have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Prior to administration, it is critical for the nurse to assess for the presence of an infection. This is because glucocorticoids suppress the immune response, which can exacerbate an existing infection or increase the risk of developing new infections during treatment.

In patients with an underlying infection, using glucocorticoids may lead to inadequate immune response, making it difficult for the body to fight off the infectious agents, potentially resulting in more severe illness. Therefore, assessing for infection is a crucial step in ensuring patient safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes when considering glucocorticoid therapy.