A client has been taking low-dose aspirin and prednisone (Deltasone) for the past several years for treatment of her rheumatoid arthritis. What finding would indicate a problem with the drug therapy?
1. Tarry stools
2. Decreased leukocyte count
3. Thrombocytopenia
4. Postural hypotension
Answer: 1
Development of tarry stools indicates gastrointestinal bleeding. Both the aspirin and the corticosteroids place the client at high risk for the development of a peptic ulcer and subsequent GI bleeding. Postural hypotension, thrombocytopenia, and decreased leukocytes are not directly associated with corticosteroids.