A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking prednisone following an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which finding should the nurse recognize as the priority? The client reports:

A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating.

Gaining 5 pounds in the last 7 months.

Waking up with a fever.

Insomnia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:
A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating falls within the normal fasting blood glucose range, which is between 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL. Therefore, this finding is not a priority concern for a client taking prednisone.

Choice B Reason:
Gaining 5 pounds over 7 months is not typically a priority concern unless it is sudden or unexplained. Prednisone can cause fluid retention and weight gain as a common side effect, but this gradual weight change does not indicate an immediate health risk.

Choice C Reason:
Waking up with a fever is a priority finding as it may indicate an infection. Patients on prednisone are at increased risk of infections due to its immunosuppressive effects¹. Fever could also signify an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease or other complications.

Choice D Reason:
While insomnia is a common side effect of prednisone and can impact quality of life, it is not typically a priority over signs that could indicate infection or exacerbation of the underlying condition

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason
Using an antiemetic one hour after administration of methotrexate is not a standard recommendation. Antiemetics are typically used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and are taken before or at the time of methotrexate administration, not afterward.

Choice B Reason
Drinking 2-3 liters of water per day is important for patients taking methotrexate to prevent kidney damage by ensuring adequate hydration and facilitating the excretion of the drug¹. Methotrexate can be nephrotoxic, and proper hydration helps to mitigate this risk.

Choice C Reason
Rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for patients taking methotrexate. Alcohol can cause drying and irritation, which might exacerbate any mouth sores caused by methotrexate. Instead, patients should use a gentle, non-alcoholic mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.

Choice D Reason
Taking methotrexate with an NSAID is not advised without specific medical guidance. NSAIDs can increase the toxicity of methotrexate by displacing it from protein-binding sites and reducing its renal clearance, potentially leading to increased side effects.

A. The fetus is likely to have a congenital anomaly, be growth restricted, or demonstrate fetal distress during labor. B. There is an elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid. C. The client is carrying more than one fetus. D. An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is present

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

While polyhydramnios can be associated with congenital anomalies or fetal distress, it is not a direct indication of these conditions. Polyhydramnios refers specifically to the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid. Congenital anomalies may lead to polyhydramnios if they affect the fetus's ability to swallow and process amniotic fluid normally, but the presence of polyhydramnios alone does not confirm these conditions.

Choice B reason:

Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid can be indicative of neural tube defects or other fetal abnormalities, but they are not a defining characteristic of polyhydramnios. Normal AFP levels in amniotic fluid at 15 to 21 weeks' gestation range from 10 to 150 ng/ml. Polyhydramnios is diagnosed based on the volume of amniotic fluid, not the AFP levels.

Choice C reason:

Carrying more than one fetus can lead to an increased amount of amniotic fluid, potentially resulting in polyhydramnios. However, the diagnosis of polyhydramnios itself does not imply a multiple gestation pregnancy. It simply indicates that there is more amniotic fluid than usual.

Choice D reason:

Polyhydramnios is defined as an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. It is typically diagnosed when the amniotic fluid index (AFI) exceeds 24 cm or the single deepest pocket (SDP) measures more than 8 cm. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, and other medical conditions.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking prednisone following an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which finding should the nurse recognize as the priority? The client reports:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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