A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a group of clients who have communicable diseases. Which of the following infections should the nurse report to the state health department?

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive reliance on others for decision-making and a fear of being alone or taking responsibility. Encouraging the client to be assertive helps promote their independence and self-confidence. It allows them to express their needs and preferences, make decisions, and take responsibility for their own actions. Empowering the client to be assertive can enhance their overall well-being and promote healthier relationships.

Limiting the client's social interactions may exacerbate their dependency and hinder their progress in developing more self-reliance and independent coping skills. It is important to encourage appropriate and healthy social interactions while also promoting the client's independence.

Maintaining a verbal no-harm contract with the client is a strategy more commonly used for clients at risk of self-harm or harm to others. It may not be directly applicable to the care of a client with dependent personality disorder unless there are specific safety concerns. Assuming responsibility for making the client's decisions would reinforce their dependency and enable their avoidance of taking personal responsibility. It is important to promote autonomy and support the client in making their own decisions whenever possible.

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.