I'm wondering about the effects of steroid therapy (prednisone and methylprednisolone) on the WBC count. I am under the impression that being on these therapies elevates the WBC making the WBC less reliable as an indicator of infection. Also, I think steroid therapy makes it more difficult for a patient to develop a fever during infection - making it harder to detect infection. Is this right? Also, I'm wondering if steroids effect the c-diff in a specific way.
How can I tell if the patient has an infection if the steroids are elevating the WBC and preventing fever?
Thanks in advance for the input! Much appreciated!
Feb 18, '05
by NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN Moderator
Last edit by NRSKarenRN on Feb 18, '05