A young child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is placed on both prednisone and calcium. Parents view these two medications as rather "common" and question their importance for the child. What explanation by the nurse will be most helpful to the parents?
a) "Prednisone will stimulate weight gain and appetite. Calcium is needed to ensure adequate supplies for the development of permanent teeth."
b) "Prednisone helps to keep muscle fibers strong and delays progression of the disease. Calcium protects against osteoporosis caused by both prednisone and lack of weight bearing."
c) "Prednisone will help protect his vulnerable respiratory tract from developing reactive airway disease. Calcium is needed to guard against muscle cramping."
d) "Prednisone will protect against nerve inflammation in his hips and legs. Calcium is necessary should dietary intake be insufficient to meet growth needs."
Answer: b)"Prednisone helps to keep muscle fibers strong and delays progression of the disease. Calcium protects against osteoporosis caused by both prednisone and lack of weight bearing."
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