Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a side effect of steroids?

1. Increased energy levels

2. Thin skin

3. Weight gain without fluid retention

4. Decreased susceptibility to infections

The correct answer is: Thin skin

Thin skin is a recognized side effect of corticosteroid use, particularly with long-term or high-dose therapy. Steroids can lead to skin atrophy, where the dermis and epidermis thins out, making the skin more fragile and susceptible to injury. This thinning of the skin can also result in easy bruising and other skin-related problems. Understanding this side effect is crucial for healthcare providers, as it can impact a patient's overall skin health and increase the risk of complications from minor injuries. In contrast, increased energy levels can be a subjective feeling some patients may experience, but it is not a typical side effect associated with steroid use. Weight gain is often associated with fluid retention rather than solely from increased fat, which suggests an important distinction regarding the causes of weight gain in patients on steroids. Steroids can also suppress the immune response, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections rather than decreased susceptibility, highlighting that the effects of steroids can be quite complex and may vary between individuals.