Which is the short acting glucocorticoid?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Glucocorticoids are classified based on their duration of action: short, intermediate, and long-acting.
Hydrocortisone is a short-acting glucocorticoid with a biological half-life of 8-12 hours.
Its rapid onset and short duration make it suitable for acute conditions and replacement therapy.
In addition to its glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) effects, it also possesses mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) properties.

Option A: Betamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid, with a biological half-life of 36-72 hours.
Option B: Dexamethasone is a potent, long-acting glucocorticoid with a biological half-life of 36-72 hours.
Option D: Paramethasone is classified as a long-acting glucocorticoid.

Visual 1: Chart: Classification of Glucocorticoids - A visual table categorizing common glucocorticoids (Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Dexamethasone) into short, intermediate, and long-acting groups with their relative potencies and half-lives.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Classification of Glucocorticoids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the duration of action is critical for safe nursing practice. Short-acting steroids like hydrocortisone are used for acute situations, while long-acting ones are for chronic conditions.
Nurses must educate patients on the importance of not stopping steroids abruptly. Gradual tapering is essential to allow the adrenal glands to resume their natural cortisol production and prevent a life-threatening adrenal crisis.
Monitoring for side effects such as hyperglycemia, signs of infection, fluid retention (edema, hypertension), and mood changes is a key nursing responsibility during glucocorticoid therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking to identify a 'short-acting' drug from a specific class, 'glucocorticoids'.
This is a factual recall question based on pharmacological classification.
Mentally review or visualize the classification of corticosteroids by their duration of action (short, intermediate, long).
Evaluate each option against this classification.
Betamethasone and Dexamethasone are well-known long-acting steroids. Paramethasone is also long-acting.
Hydrocortisone (the synthetic form of cortisol) is the prototype short-acting steroid. Select this as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.