Practice Question
The nurse is developing a plan of care for an 84-year-old client who has been diagnosed with diabetes and is receiving oral hydrocortisone 40 mg daily for treatment of arthritis. What is the nurse's priority?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
monitoring blood glucose levels frequently
Rationale:
🟣Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, increases glucose production by stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver, which can lead to hyperglycemia, especially in clients with diabetes.
🟣Older adults, such as this 84-year-old client, have decreased physiologic reserves and are at higher risk for complications like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states (HHS) when blood glucose levels are not well monitored.
🟣Frequent glucose monitoring allows for timely medication adjustment and dietary management to prevent severe fluctuations.
🟣Long-term corticosteroid use also reduces insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk for poor glycemic control.
🟣Therefore, the priority nursing action is to monitor blood glucose levels closely to detect and manage hyperglycemia early.
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This question is from ADRN 114 Pharm M-S 3 Exam 1 which contains 51 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: 🚑Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4