The nurse reviews the lab values.

Exhibits

What questions can the nurse ask the client based on the lab results? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale: Ingestion of Wort can reduce the client's intake of sodium: This information is not directly related to the situation of a renal transplant and graft rejection. It is not the most significant finding regarding the use of St. John's Wort in this context.

Choice B rationale: Adding the herb decreases the need for corticosteroids: There is no evidence or indication that St. John's Wort can decrease the need for corticosteroids, especially in the context of a renal transplant and graft rejection.

Choice C rationale: While St. John's Wort is sometimes used as an herbal remedy for depression, the most significant information, in this case, is its potential to interact with cyclosporine and affect the client's immunosuppressive medication. The focus should be on the drug interaction and the risk it poses to the client's graft health, rather than the reason for using the herb.

Choice D rationale: The most significant information about the finding that the client has been self-administering St. John's Wort is that it can decrease plasma concentrations of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used after a renal transplant to prevent graft rejection. When St. John's Wort is taken concurrently with cyclosporine, it can induce certain liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, leading to a decreased concentration of cyclosporine in the bloodstream. This can potentially reduce the effectiveness of cyclosporine in preventing graft rejection, putting the client's transplanted kidney at risk.

Choice A rationale: St. John's Wort is an herbal supplement that can interact with various medications, including insulin, and may alter blood glucose levels. It can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, leading to decreased blood glucose control. It is essential for the client to inform the healthcare provider about any use of St. John's Wort to adjust the insulin regimen accordingly.

Choice B rationale: Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels by promoting insulin resistance and inhibiting insulin action. Clients with diabetes may require adjustments in their insulin dosage while taking corticosteroids to prevent hyperglycemia.
Choice C rationale: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that can affect blood glucose levels. It may increase the hypoglycemic effects of insulin, leading to lower blood glucose levels. The
client's insulin regimen may need to be adjusted while taking fluconazole.
Choice D rationale: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that does not typically have a direct impact on blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
Choice E rationale: Epinephrine is a hormone that may transiently increase blood glucose levels in response to stress, but it is not a home medication that the client would be taking regularly.
Choice F rationale: Oral contraceptives, specifically combination hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin, can impact blood glucose levels. They may lead to insulin resistance and, in some cases, increase blood glucose levels. The healthcare provider may need to adjust the insulin dosage for better glycemic control.