A client with Type 2 diabetes, controlled with diet and metformin, also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During an exacerbation of COPD, the client is prescribed prednisone to control inflammation. For which side effect should the nurse monitor the client?
Increased blood glucose levels.
Increased potassium levels.
Increased white blood cell count.
Increased ketones in the urine.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause hyperglycemia, especially in clients with diabetes. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels because prednisone can increase insulin resistance and hepatic glucose production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL, and for individuals with diabetes, maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range set by their healthcare provider is crucial to prevent complications.
Choice B reason:
While corticosteroids can affect electrolyte balance, they typically cause a decrease in potassium levels, not an increase. Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia, rather than hyperkalemia, would be more appropriate when a patient is on prednisone. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C reason:
Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause leukocytosis, an increase in white blood cell count, as part of their immunosuppressive action. However, this is generally not a harmful side effect unless accompanied by infection or other complications. The normal range for white blood cell count is approximately 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter.
Choice D reason:
Increased ketones in the urine, or ketonuria, is not a typical side effect of prednisone. Ketonuria is more commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, when there is an insulin deficiency and the body resorts to fat breakdown, leading to ketone production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Avoiding crossing the legs while sitting is crucial after a total hip replacement to prevent dislocation of the new joint. Crossing the legs can put undue pressure on the hip joint and may lead to misalignment or increased strain during the healing process.
Choice b reason:
Eliminating Vitamin K from the diet is not typically recommended after a total hip replacement. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and maintaining a consistent intake is important, especially if the client is on anticoagulant therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Sudden changes in Vitamin K intake can affect the efficacy of anticoagulants like warfarin.
Choice c reason:
Following a home exercise program is an essential part of recovery after a total hip replacement. Exercises help strengthen the muscles around the new joint, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion. It's important that these exercises are done regularly and as instructed by a physical therapist.
Choice d reason:
Using a raised toilet seat after hip replacement surgery helps to prevent excessive flexion at the hip, which can risk dislocating the new joint. It also makes it easier for the client to sit down and stand up with less strain on the hip.
Choice e reason:
Increasing high-impact activities is not recommended after a total hip replacement, especially in the early stages of recovery. High-impact activities can put excessive stress on the new joint and may lead to complications. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling are generally more appropriate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for brain function and the metabolism of carbohydrates. In the context of high blood alcohol levels, thiamine is administered to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious neurological disorder. This condition is often precipitated by a thiamine deficiency, which can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption can impair thiamine absorption and utilization, leading to depleted stores. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and if left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic and debilitating condition.
Choice B Reason
While alcoholic hepatitis is a concern in individuals with excessive alcohol intake, thiamine is not specifically used to prevent this condition. Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse, and its prevention primarily involves abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and medical management of liver inflammation. Thiamine does not play a direct role in preventing liver inflammation but is crucial for overall nutritional replenishment in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Choice C Reason
Rehydration is indeed important for clients with high blood alcohol levels; however, thiamine does not serve this purpose. Rehydration typically involves the administration of intravenous fluids to restore fluid balance and electrolytes. Thiamine is not a rehydrating agent but is given to prevent neurological complications associated with thiamine deficiency, which can be seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Choice D Reason
Preventing pancreatitis is not the primary reason for administering thiamine in this scenario. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be associated with chronic alcohol abuse, but thiamine is not used as a preventative treatment for this condition. The management of pancreatitis involves addressing the underlying causes, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization for more severe cases.
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