A 46 year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presents to the clinic for follow up. She takes prednisone daily for 3 months. Her condition is stable and she has no complaints since her last visit 3 months ago. She smokes a pack of cigarette daily for 15 years. She said that she is not faithful on her diet and exercise program.
On physical examination, her pulse is 84/min; blood pressure is 140/90, no cardiac or pulmonary abnormalities and no organomegaly.
What is the most appropriate lab test you should order on this visit?
A- Blood glucose and serum lipids
B- Serum thyroid stimulating hormone
C- Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine
D- Serum cortisol
Answer:
This patient has been taking prednisone daily for 3 months. Blood glucose and serum lipids need to be checked regularly in all patients who use corticosteroids as a regular treatment.
The correct answer is A