What should a nurse do to minimize potential risks associated with prednisone treatment for a client with ulcerative colitis?

The choice of carefully assessing the client for infections is particularly crucial when managing a patient on prednisone, especially with conditions like ulcerative colitis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections. This immunosuppressive effect is significant; therefore, vigilant monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection is essential. By frequently assessing the client for symptoms like fever, increased white blood cell count, or unusual changes in health status, the nurse can detect infections early and initiate appropriate interventions.

The other options, while relevant to the overall care of the patient, do not directly address the primary risk associated with corticosteroid therapy. For instance, increasing the dosage of prednisone slowly may help in dose titration but does not mitigate the specific risk of infection. Administering prednisone with food can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation but does not impact the client's risk of infections. Encouraging increased physical activity can promote general well-being but does not address the immunosuppression that poses a risk during treatment.