A client with Type 2 diabetes, controlled with diet and metformin, also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During an exacerbation of COPD, the client is prescribed prednisone to control inflammation. For which side effect should the nurse monitor the client?
Increased blood glucose levels.
Increased potassium levels.
Increased white blood cell count.
Increased ketones in the urine.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause hyperglycemia, especially in clients with diabetes. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels because prednisone can increase insulin resistance and hepatic glucose production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Normal fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL, and for individuals with diabetes, maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range set by their healthcare provider is crucial to prevent complications.
Choice B reason:
While corticosteroids can affect electrolyte balance, they typically cause a decrease in potassium levels, not an increase. Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia, rather than hyperkalemia, would be more appropriate when a patient is on prednisone. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Choice C reason:
Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause leukocytosis, an increase in white blood cell count, as part of their immunosuppressive action. However, this is generally not a harmful side effect unless accompanied by infection or other complications. The normal range for white blood cell count is approximately 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter.
Choice D reason:
Increased ketones in the urine, or ketonuria, is not a typical side effect of prednisone. Ketonuria is more commonly associated with uncontrolled diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, when there is an insulin deficiency and the body resorts to fat breakdown, leading to ketone production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Providing a quiet atmosphere for undisturbed sleep is beneficial for all patients, especially those recovering from illness. However, it does not directly address the issue of activity intolerance. Adequate rest is important, but the primary concern with activity intolerance is managing energy levels during waking hours to improve the patient's ability to engage in activities.
Choice B Reason
Clustering activities in the morning may seem like a good strategy when the patient is well-rested. However, this could lead to rapid depletion of energy reserves and exacerbate activity intolerance. It is more effective to spread activities throughout the day to manage energy levels better.
Choice C Reason
Identifying ways to conserve energy is a key intervention for managing activity intolerance. This can include teaching the patient energy-conservation techniques, such as sitting while showering or dressing, taking frequent breaks, and prioritizing tasks. This approach helps patients with folic acid deficiency anemia to participate in activities without excessive fatigue.
Choice D Reason
While nutrition is important in the management of anemia, recommending small frequent iron-rich meals does not directly address activity intolerance. Folic acid deficiency anemia requires dietary intake of folate-rich foods or supplements. Iron is important, but the focus for folic acid deficiency should be on folate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
The continuous nature of the mucosa refers to the uninterrupted lining of the urinary tract, which provides a barrier against pathogens. However, this characteristic is not a significant factor in the increased susceptibility of women to cystitis. Both men and women have a continuous mucosal lining, and it does not account for the gender difference in infection rates.
Choice B Reason
High estrogen levels can influence the tissues of the urinary tract and may affect susceptibility to infections. However, the role of estrogen in the development of cystitis is not as direct or significant as anatomical differences. Estrogen levels vary throughout a woman's life and do not consistently correlate with cystitis risk.
Choice C Reason
Urethral proximity to the rectum is the most significant anatomical factor contributing to a woman's increased susceptibility to cystitis¹⁴. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and its close proximity to the anus allows bacteria from the bowel area to more easily enter the urinary tract and cause infections.
Choice D Reason
Inadequate fluid intake can lead to less frequent urination, which is a risk factor for cystitis because it reduces the natural flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. However, this is a modifiable risk factor and does not inherently explain the higher incidence of cystitis in women compared to men.
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