Breathe Easy in 2026: Ace Your Registered Nurse Respiratory Exam with Confidence!

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is commonly prescribed for managing conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) because of its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. One of the notable side effects of corticosteroids, particularly with systemic use like that of prednisone, is the potential to cause hyperglycemia. This occurs because corticosteroids can elevate blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver and reducing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues.

Additionally, prednisone can lead to bruising, particularly in cases of long-term use or higher doses. This happens because corticosteroids can also affect the body’s collagen synthesis and the structure of blood vessels, making them more susceptible to rupture, thus leading to easy bruising.

Other medications such as Atrovent (an anticholinergic), Flagyl (an antibiotic), and Levaquin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) do not typically have a direct association with causing hyperglycemia or bruising, making prednisone the clear choice for this question. Therefore, understanding the effects of corticosteroids like prednisone not only helps in managing COPD but also prepares the nurse to monitor and manage these potential side effects effectively.