A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking prednisone following an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which finding should the nurse recognize as the priority? The client reports:
A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating.
Gaining 5 pounds in the last 7 months.
Waking up with a fever.
Insomnia.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating falls within the normal fasting blood glucose range, which is between 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL. Therefore, this finding is not a priority concern for a client taking prednisone.
Choice B Reason:
Gaining 5 pounds over 7 months is not typically a priority concern unless it is sudden or unexplained. Prednisone can cause fluid retention and weight gain as a common side effect, but this gradual weight change does not indicate an immediate health risk.
Choice C Reason:
Waking up with a fever is a priority finding as it may indicate an infection. Patients on prednisone are at increased risk of infections due to its immunosuppressive effects¹. Fever could also signify an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease or other complications.
Choice D Reason:
While insomnia is a common side effect of prednisone and can impact quality of life, it is not typically a priority over signs that could indicate infection or exacerbation of the underlying condition
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Limit setting may be helpful for a client who displays hypervigilance and refuses to attend unit activities, as it can provide clear expectations and help reduce anxiety. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate risk to the safety of others, making limit setting less essential compared to behaviors that could lead to harm.
Choice B Reason
While being flirtatious toward staff members may be inappropriate and require intervention, it is typically addressed through professional boundaries rather than limit setting. Limit setting in this context would involve clarifying acceptable behaviors within the therapeutic relationship.
Choice C Reason
Urging another client to commit violence is a behavior that necessitates immediate limit setting. This behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others and disrupts the therapeutic environment. Limit setting here would involve immediate intervention to prevent harm and to maintain a safe environment for all clients.
Choice D Reason
A client who clings to the nurse and seeks advice on inconsequential matters may benefit from limit setting to encourage independence and appropriate use of staff time. However, this behavior is not as disruptive or dangerous as inciting violence, making it a lower priority for limit setting.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Using an antiemetic one hour after administration of methotrexate is not a standard recommendation. Antiemetics are typically used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and are taken before or at the time of methotrexate administration, not afterward.
Choice B Reason
Drinking 2-3 liters of water per day is important for patients taking methotrexate to prevent kidney damage by ensuring adequate hydration and facilitating the excretion of the drug¹. Methotrexate can be nephrotoxic, and proper hydration helps to mitigate this risk.
Choice C Reason
Rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for patients taking methotrexate. Alcohol can cause drying and irritation, which might exacerbate any mouth sores caused by methotrexate. Instead, patients should use a gentle, non-alcoholic mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
Choice D Reason
Taking methotrexate with an NSAID is not advised without specific medical guidance. NSAIDs can increase the toxicity of methotrexate by displacing it from protein-binding sites and reducing its renal clearance, potentially leading to increased side effects.
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