Which nursing action is essential when a patient is on corticosteroids to prevent complications?

Monitoring for signs of infection is essential when a patient is on corticosteroids due to the immunosuppressive effects of these medications. Corticosteroids can inhibit the body's normal immune response, making patients more susceptible to infections. The use of corticosteroids can lead to decreased production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off pathogens.

As such, vigilant monitoring for symptoms such as fever, localized redness, or other indicators of infection becomes a crucial nursing action. This proactive approach allows for early detection and treatment of infections, which is vital given that corticosteroid therapy can worsen outcomes in the presence of infections.

The other options don't align with the primary considerations for patients on corticosteroids. A low-protein diet might not be appropriate as patients may require adequate protein intake to help maintain muscle mass and overall health. Encouraging fluid overload is typically contraindicated, as it can lead to complications such as edema and hypertension. Frequent blood transfusions are unnecessary for patients on corticosteroids unless there is a specific indication for anemia, which is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy.