What is an important nursing consideration when administering and monitoring patients on corticosteroids?

When administering corticosteroids, a key consideration is to monitor for signs of dehydration. Corticosteroids can induce fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances as they influence kidney function, particularly affecting sodium and water retention. While patients may retain fluid, they can also become dehydrated due to other factors such as underlying conditions or effects of the medication if not adequately managed. Monitoring for dehydration is crucial to ensure that patients maintain optimal fluid balance, as dehydration can lead to complications such as hypotension, renal impairment, and increased risk for falls.

Additionally, while other options like assessing for hyperactivity or evaluating sleep patterns are relevant in the broader management of patients on corticosteroids, they are not as directly tied to the immediate physiological effects of the medication as monitoring for dehydration. Cognitive changes may also occur, particularly in long-term use, but again, the acute monitoring of fluid balance directly relates to patient safety and medication management. Therefore, focusing on signs of dehydration encompasses a critical aspect of nursing care for patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.