A patient on corticosteroids develops a moon face, facial redness, and multiple bruises; which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?

A patient on corticosteroids develops a moon face, facial redness, and multiple bruises; which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?

• A. Risk for infection
• B. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• C. Deficient fluid volume
• D. Disturbed body image

Answer: (D)

Corticosteroids often cause a Cushingoid appearance—moon face, facial redness, and easy bruising from fat redistribution, facial flushing, and skin thinning. These visible changes can significantly affect how a patient feels about their body and appearance, making disturbed body image the most fitting nursing diagnosis. While infection risk and nutritional issues are important concerns with steroid use, they don’t address the direct psychosocial impact of these noticeable physical changes as effectively. Address the patient with empathy about the changes, validate feelings, and offer coping support. Discuss practical steps to manage appearance concerns (privacy, reassurance, modest wardrobe choices, and supportive resources) and reinforce that such changes can occur with treatment. Also monitor and protect skin integrity to reduce injury from bruising and provide guidance on minimizing trauma.

Corticosteroids often cause a Cushingoid appearance—moon face, facial redness, and easy bruising from fat redistribution, facial flushing, and skin thinning. These visible changes can significantly affect how a patient feels about their body and appearance, making disturbed body image the most fitting nursing diagnosis. While infection risk and nutritional issues are important concerns with steroid use, they don’t address the direct psychosocial impact of these noticeable physical changes as effectively.

Address the patient with empathy about the changes, validate feelings, and offer coping support. Discuss practical steps to manage appearance concerns (privacy, reassurance, modest wardrobe choices, and supportive resources) and reinforce that such changes can occur with treatment. Also monitor and protect skin integrity to reduce injury from bruising and provide guidance on minimizing trauma.