Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

Corticosteroids are well-documented for their immunosuppressive effects, which can lead to a heightened risk of infections. This occurs because corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory response and inhibit the activity of immune cells, which are crucial for fighting off pathogens. Patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy may be more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections due to this compromised immune system.

The other options do not align with the primary risks associated with corticosteroid use. While corticosteroids can indeed lead to a decrease in muscle mass over prolonged use, the increased risk of infection is a more significant and direct concern for patients. Lowering blood sugar levels is less common; in fact, corticosteroids often raise blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients. Enhancing kidney function is not a noted effect of corticosteroids; they may affect renal function negatively over time, particularly in certain conditions or with high doses. Thus, the increased risk of infection stands out as a key and potential risk when it comes to corticosteroid use.