Which adverse effects should a nurse discuss with a client on long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy?

Long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy is associated with a range of adverse effects, particularly due to the drug's influence on various metabolic and physiological processes. Among the most common adverse effects are mood disorders and cataracts, which warrant significant discussion with patients undergoing this therapy.

Corticosteroids can cause mood swings, increased anxiety, and depression, reflecting their impact on neurotransmitter levels in the brain. These mood disorders can vary in intensity and may profoundly affect the quality of life. The risk of developing cataracts also increases with long-term use of corticosteroids, particularly when taken in high doses. This risk arises due to the corticosteroids' effects on the lens of the eye, which can lead to clouding and visual impairment over time.

While hyperglycemia and weight gain are commonly associated adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy, the mention of weight loss in this context does not align with typical outcomes. Similarly, peptic ulcers and insomnia can occur but are not as consistently highlighted in long-term therapy discussions as mood disorders and cataracts.

Therefore, focusing on mood disorders and cataracts provides the most relevant and immediate concerns that a nurse should address with a client receiving long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy, making this option the most suitable choice for discussion.