Nebraska Medication Aide Practice Exam

The expected outcome from using corticosteroids in patients with allergies is the reduction of allergic reactions. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response that contributes to inflammation and allergic reactions. When a person encounters an allergen, the immune system responds aggressively, leading to symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. By administering corticosteroids, the inflammatory response is moderated, which helps alleviate these symptoms and provides relief from allergy-related discomfort.

The other choices involve effects that are not related to the mechanism of action of corticosteroids in the context of treating allergies. For instance, increased muscle mass is associated with anabolic steroids, not corticosteroids. Increased pain sensitivity does not directly correlate with the action of corticosteroids, as they are primarily used for inflammation reduction rather than pain modulation. Lastly, elevation of heart rate is not a primary effect of corticosteroids and typically relates to other physiological responses. Thus, the clear and expected outcome when corticosteroids are used for allergies is the reduction of allergic reactions.