Which situation is a potential risk when discontinuing corticosteroids too rapidly?

When corticosteroids are discontinued too rapidly, the potential risk of withdrawal symptoms arises due to the body's dependence on these medications. Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, and prolonged use of synthetic corticosteroids can suppress the natural production of these hormones. If the medication is stopped suddenly, the body may not be able to adjust quickly enough, leading to a range of withdrawal symptoms.

Common withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, fever, and even a resurgence of the underlying condition that was being treated. This situation highlights the importance of tapering off corticosteroids gradually under a healthcare provider's guidance to allow the adrenal glands time to recover and resume normal function.

In contrast, improved lung function, increased metabolic rate, and enhanced immune response are not typical responses associated with the sudden discontinuation of corticosteroids and would not reflect the body's immediate physiological response to abrupt withdrawal of these medications.