On taking a medical history for a client prescribed a corticosteroid medication, which condition should the nurse focus on?

The emphasis on infections when taking a medical history for a client prescribed corticosteroid medication is crucial because corticosteroids can significantly impact the immune system. These medications are known to suppress the immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections. Patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy are at a higher risk for opportunistic infections, which may not present in the typical manner due to the depressed immune response.

Healthcare providers must ask about any history of infections, recent illnesses, or exposure to infectious agents, as early identification and management of infections can be vital for patient safety.

While the other conditions—depression, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence—are important aspects of patient care and may also have relevant considerations in the context of corticosteroid use, the immediate concern with corticosteroids centers on their potential to increase infection risk. Thus, focusing on infections in the medical history is both pertinent and critical for ensuring safe and effective patient management.