A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis.
For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

"Prednisone can cause blood glucose levels to increase." Rationale: This statement is accurate. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication known to cause hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) as a side effect. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client's blood glucose levels while they are taking prednisone, especially if the client has preexisting diabetes or risk factors for diabetes.

Choice B rationale:

"Older adults are at risk for developing type 1 diabetes mellitus." Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically develops in childhood or early adulthood and is characterized by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Older adults are more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is different from type 1 diabetes in terms of its etiology and pathophysiology.

Choice C rationale:

"Having COPD causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate." Rationale: This statement is not accurate. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) primarily affects the respiratory system and does not directly cause blood glucose level fluctuations. Blood glucose levels can be affected indirectly in some cases due to factors like medications or stress associated with the illness, but it is not a direct result of COPD.

Choice D rationale:

"Albuterol treatments can cause blood glucose levels to decrease." Rationale: This statement is not a typical effect of albuterol treatments. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. It is not known to cause significant decreases in blood glucose levels.

Choice A rationale:

"Instruct the client to take a brisk walk." Rationale: This action is not appropriate for a pregnant client experiencing dizziness, a racing heart, and pallor while lying on their back. It may exacerbate their symptoms and is not recommended.

Choice B rationale:

"Position the client on their left side." Rationale: This is the correct action to take. The client's symptoms, such as dizziness, racing heart, and pallor, suggest that they may be experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome, a common issue in pregnancy. Placing the client on their left side helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow to the fetus and reducing symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

"Check the client's temperature." Rationale: Checking the client's temperature is not the most relevant action to address the reported symptoms. Dizziness, racing heart, and pallor are not typically associated with fever.

Choice D rationale:

"Provide the client with a glass of orange juice." Rationale: While providing orange juice can be helpful in some cases of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it is not the primary intervention for a pregnant client with the reported symptoms. These symptoms are more indicative of supine hypotensive syndrome, and the priority is to change the client's position to alleviate the condition.