A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult client who has COPD and is receiving albuterol treatments and 20 mg of prednisone twice daily. The client asks why the nurse is checking his blood glucose level.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Older adults are at risk for developing type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Prednisone can cause blood glucose levels to increase.
Albuterol treatments can cause blood glucose levels to decrease.
Having COPD causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Dementia is characterized by progressive memory impairment, including difficulty remembering recent events, names, and familiar faces. This memory loss can significantly impact the client's ability to perform daily tasks independently.
While dementia is typically a chronic and progressive condition, it is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to experience acute episodes of confusion, often referred to as "sundowning." These episodes tend to occur in the late afternoon or evening and can involve increased agitation, restlessness, and disorientation.
Illusions are perceptual distortions where a person misinterprets real sensory stimuli. In dementia, individuals may experience illusions, such as mistaking a coat hanging on a door for a person or misinterpreting shadows as threatening figures.
Catatonia, characterized by immobility and unresponsiveness, is not typically associated with dementia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia or certain neurological disorders.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","F","G","H"]
Explanation
A.a. Heart rate (98/min): A heart rate of 98/min is within the normal range for adults (60-100 bpm). This does not indicate an immediate need for further evaluation based on the provided data.
B.Blood pressure (112/88 mmHg): The blood pressure reading is within normal limits. This does not suggest an immediate concern.
C. Temperature: The client reports a low-grade fever (38.1°C or 100.5°F), which suggests an ongoing infection or inflammatory process. Further evaluation is necessary.
D.Respiratory complaint: A productive cough with blood-tinged sputum, especially in combination with symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss, is concerning and warrants further evaluation for possible serious conditions such as tuberculosis (TB) or other respiratory infections.
e.Oxygen saturation (98% on room air):The oxygen saturation is normal. This finding does not indicate an immediate need for further evaluation.
F.Weight loss: The client reports a significant weight loss of 26 kg (5 lbs) over the past week. Unintentional weight loss can be a concerning symptom and may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further investigation.
G.Sputum characteristics: Blood-tinged sputum, especially with other symptoms like cough, fever, and night sweats, can be indicative of serious conditions such as TB or other respiratory infections and needs further evaluation.
H.Travel history: Recent travel to a region where certain infectious diseases are prevalent (such as TB) is a critical factor that requires further evaluation in the context of the client's symptoms.
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