When evaluating a patient on steroids, what important information must be gathered?

• A. Family medical history
• B. Duration and dosage
• C. Allergic reactions
• D. Previous surgeries

Answer: (B)

In evaluating a patient on steroids, gathering information about the duration and dosage of steroid use is crucial. This aspect significantly impacts the patient's risk for potential side effects and complications associated with steroid therapy. Long-term or high-dose steroid use can lead to conditions such as adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to infections. Understanding how long and at what dosage a patient has been taking the medication helps healthcare providers to assess these risks accurately and to determine necessary follow-up care, such as monitoring for complications or managing withdrawal if the steroids are to be discontinued.

The other options, while relevant to patient history, do not specifically address the unique considerations that arise from steroid use. Family medical history might provide insights into hereditary conditions, allergic reactions could indicate past sensitivities, and previous surgeries may give context to the patient's overall health, but none of these factors directly influence the management or assessment of risks associated with steroid therapy in the same way that dosage and duration do.