A client is hospitalized with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation and is being treated with a corticosteroid. The client develops a rigid abdomen with rebound tenderness. Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: This is correct because abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity or visceral fat, is one of the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome and a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. Abdominal obesity is defined as having a waist circumference of more than 40 inches (102 cm) for men or 35 inches (88 cm) for women. Abdominal obesity can increase insulin resistance, inflammation, and blood pressure, which can lead to impaired glucose metabolism and cardiovascular complications.

Choice B reason: This is correct because blood pressure of 150/96 mm Hg is another criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome and a significant risk factor for diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. Blood pressure is defined as the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, while high blood pressure (hypertension) is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and organs, such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because elevated high density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, are not a criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome or a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. In fact, HDL are beneficial for cardiovascular health because they help remove excess cholesterol from the blood and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Normal HDL levels are 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) or higher for men and 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) or higher for women.

Choice D reason: This is correct because increased triglyceride levels are another criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome and a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood and provides energy to cells. Normal triglyceride levels are less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L), while high triglyceride levels are 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L) or higher. High triglyceride levels can increase insulin resistance, inflammation, and blood clotting, which can impair glucose metabolism and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Choice E reason: This is correct because hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is another criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome and a hallmark of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. Normal blood glucose levels are 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) before meals and less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after meals, while hyperglycemia is 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher before meals or 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher two hours after meals. Hyperglycemia can damage the blood vessels and organs, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet, and increase the risk of infections, ulcers, amputations, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Choice F reason: This is incorrect because hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is not a criterion for diagnosing metabolic syndrome or a direct risk factor for diabetes mellitus and vascular disease. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and development. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and depression. However, hypothyroidism does not affect the blood glucose or lipid levels directly, but rather indirectly through its effects on weight and appetite.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance is not the most important action for the nurse to take. These are preventive measures that should be followed by everyone, regardless of their COVID-19 status.

Choice B reason: This is correct because isolating the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper PPE is the most important action for the nurse to take. This is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to others who may be at risk of severe complications or death.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to CDC guidelines is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a legal and ethical obligation that should be done after confirming the diagnosis, but it does not have an immediate impact on the client's health or safety.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a moral and social responsibility that should be done as soon as possible, but it does not address the urgent need of isolating the client from potential sources of infection.