A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Furosemide works by promoting diuresis, which helps to reduce fluid volume overload in heart failure. Increased urinary output indicates that the medication is effectively removing excess fluid from the body. This can help alleviate symptoms such as edema and fluid retention commonly associated with heart failure. Therefore, an increased urinary output is a positive response to furosemide therapy in this context.

Decreased BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels and weight loss are also expected outcomes of diuretic therapy, further indicating the effectiveness of the medication. However, a decreased hemoglobin level is not directly related to the efficacy of furosemide and might be indicative of other factors such as anemia or bleeding, requiring further assessment and intervention.

Prednisone can cause blood glucose levels to increase.

The nurse should explain to the client that the reason for checking his blood glucose level is because prednisone, a medication he is receiving, can cause an increase in blood glucose levels. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is commonly used in the treatment of various conditions, including COPD. It has the potential to raise blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and decreasing insulin sensitivity. Monitoring blood glucose levels is important to assess and manage any potential hyperglycaemia or changes in the client's blood sugar levels while on prednisone.

Older adults are not at increased risk for developing type 1 diabetes mellitus in (option A) is incorrect. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that typically occurs in childhood or adolescence, and it is characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Albuterol treatments, which are used to relieve bronchospasms in clients with COPD, are not known to cause blood glucose levels to decrease in (option C) is incorrect. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that primarily acts on the respiratory system and does not have a direct effect on blood glucose levels.

Having COPD does not directly cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate in (option D) is incorrect. While there can be various factors that may indirectly affect blood glucose levels in individuals with COPD (e.g., medications, stress, comorbidities), the primary reason for monitoring blood glucose in this case is the use of prednisone.

In summary, the nurse should explain to the client that the blood glucose levels are being checked because prednisone, a medication he is taking for his COPD, can cause an increase in blood glucose levels. This allows for appropriate monitoring and management of any potential hyperglycemia associated with the use of prednisone.