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: Antibiotics are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are aminoglycosides, which can increase the risk of hypokalemia. However, most antibiotics do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.

Choice B reason: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can interact with corticosteroids, as they both have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. This can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient for signs of bleeding and advise the patient to avoid taking NSAIDs with corticosteroids.

Choice C reason: Opioid analgesics are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are codeine, which can decrease the clearance of corticosteroids. However, most opioid analgesics do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.

Choice D reason: Antidepressants are not likely to interact with corticosteroids, unless they are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can increase the risk of hypertension and hypertensive crisis. However, most antidepressants do not affect the metabolism or efficacy of corticosteroids.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because lispro insulin is a rapid-acting insulin that does not need to be administered with another type of insulin. However, the patient may need a long-acting or intermediate-acting insulin to provide basal coverage throughout the day.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because lispro insulin has a peak action of 30 to 90 min after the injection, which means that the patient is at the highest risk of hypoglycemia during this time. The nurse should assess for hypoglycemia more frequently than 4 hr after the injection.

Choice C reason: This is correct because lispro insulin has a fast onset of action of 15 to 30 min after the injection, which means that the patient should eat a meal within 15 min of the injection to prevent hypoglycemia.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because polyuria is a sign of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. The nurse should monitor for polyuria before the insulin injection, as it may indicate that the patient's blood glucose level is high.