A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for prednisone to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following is a therapeutic effect of this medication?

Choice A reason: Respiratory rate and heart rate are not specific indicators of oxygen saturation. They can be affected by many other factors, such as pain, anxiety, or dehydration.

Choice B reason: Blood pressure and temperature are not directly related to oxygen saturation. They can be influenced by other conditions, such as infection, inflammation, or shock.

Choice C reason: Lung sounds and chest expansion are relevant parameters to monitor for a client with low oxygen saturation. They can indicate the presence of respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, asthma, or atelectasis, that can impair gas exchange and oxygen delivery.

Choice D reason: Hemoglobin and hematocrit are measures of red blood cell count and volume. They can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, but they are not directly affected by oxygen saturation. They can be altered by other factors, such as bleeding, dehydration, or anemia.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because hypotension is not a common effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and sodium retention, which can lead to hypertension, not hypotension.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because muscle weakness is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause muscle wasting and loss of muscle mass, which can affect the patient's mobility and strength, but not as much as delayed wound healing.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because osteoporosis is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause bone loss and increased risk of fractures, which can affect the patient's bone health and stability, but not as much as delayed wound healing.

Choice D reason: This is correct because delayed wound healing is the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can impair the inflammatory response and the immune system, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. This can affect the patient's recovery time and quality.