Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone

1. Corticosteroid

   • Reduces inflammation
   • Immunosuppresion
   • Cushing's syndrome
     • muscle atrophy
     • Abnormal fat distribution
     • Thin skin
       • Prevent skin tears

2. Use

   • Chronic inflammatory conditions

3. Inflammatory bowel disorders

4. Lupus

5. Psoriasis

6. Asthma

   • Indicators of improvement /stabilsation
     • decreased incidence of asthma attacks
     • improved ex. tolerance
     • improved spo2
     • improved RR
     • decreased WOB
   • remove allergens
   • peak flow

7. Arthritis

8. Adrenal insufficiency

9. Dose 0.5-10mg orally

10. General nursing considerations

    • BGL (monitor)
    • Monitor for HTN
    • Daily (assess fluid retention)
    • Monitor closely for infections

11. IV 4mg daily

12. Adverse

    • hyperglycaemia