The nurse is caring for a patient 22 hours after undergoing kidney transplantation. The patient develops hyperacute rejection of the transplanted kidney. What intervention will the nurse anticipate for this patient at this time?

Choice A reason: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone. It is not directly associated with corticosteroid treatment. Osteoarthritis develops due to wear and tear over time, and while corticosteroids are used to manage inflammation, they do not cause osteoarthritis.

Choice B reason: Osteoporosis is a potential complication of long-term corticosteroid use. Corticosteroids can interfere with bone formation and increase the rate of bone resorption, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy should be monitored for signs of osteoporosis, and preventive measures such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be recommended.

Choice C reason: Hyperglycaemia, or elevated blood glucose levels, is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can increase insulin resistance and promote glucose production in the liver, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes or those at risk for diabetes should be closely monitored for changes in their blood glucose levels when on corticosteroid therapy.

Choice D reason: Mucositis, or inflammation of the mucous membranes, is not a typical complication of corticosteroid therapy. Mucositis is more commonly associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. While corticosteroids can affect the immune system, they do not directly cause mucositis.

Choice A reason: The lab results pH 7.46, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 indicate respiratory alkalosis, which can occur due to hyperventilation. In pulmonary edema, the patient may hyperventilate to compensate for reduced oxygenation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and an increase in pH (alkaline).

Choice B reason: The lab results pH 7.48, PaCO2 45, HCO3 29 indicate metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation. This is not consistent with hyperventilation in pulmonary edema, where respiratory alkalosis is more likely.

Choice C reason: The lab results pH 7.26, PaCO2 59, HCO3 30 indicate respiratory acidosis with partial compensation. This finding suggests hypoventilation, which is not expected in a patient hyperventilating due to pulmonary edema.

Choice D reason: The lab results pH 7.31, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18 indicate metabolic acidosis with partial compensation. This is not typical in a patient with hyperventilation and pulmonary edema.