What is a common side effect of long-term corticosteroid use that a nurse should monitor for?

Long-term corticosteroid use is associated with a variety of side effects, one of the most significant being fluid retention. Corticosteroids can lead to an imbalance in the body's fluid and electrolyte levels. This occurs because they enhance sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which subsequently causes the body to retain water. As a result, patients may experience edema, hypertension, and an increase in body weight due to excess fluid accumulation.

Monitoring for fluid retention is essential, as it can lead to more severe complications such as heart failure or exacerbation of hypertension, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions. It’s crucial for healthcare providers, including nurses, to be vigilant in assessing and managing these side effects in patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid therapy.