What should a nurse teach a patient about the potential signs of side effects from corticosteroid use?

The correct option indicates that monitoring for muscle atrophy is an essential aspect of teaching patients about the potential side effects of corticosteroid use. Corticosteroids can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, particularly with long-term use. This occurs because these medications can interfere with normal protein metabolism and promote catabolism, which ultimately contributes to muscle atrophy. By educating patients on this potential side effect, they can be vigilant and report any unusual muscle weakness or changes in physical strength to their healthcare provider early.

The other options represent misunderstandings about the typical side effects of corticosteroids. Rapid weight loss is not commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy; instead, these medications are more often linked to weight gain due to increased appetite and fluid retention. While signs of infections are a notable concern due to corticosteroids' immunosuppressive effects, muscle atrophy is a specific and direct consequence that should be highlighted in patient education. Increased energy levels can also occur with corticosteroid use, particularly when treating inflammatory conditions; however, this is not a side effect that patients should monitor in the same way they would for muscle atrophy. Thus, understanding the implications of muscle atrophy is critical for patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy.