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 A
Explanation
Dark red urine following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can indicate active bleeding or hematoma formation. It is important to notify the provider because further assessment and intervention may be necessary to address the source of the bleeding and prevent complications.
Frequent urge to urinate is expected after a TURP procedure as the bladder recovers and adapts to the changes. This is not a concerning finding and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
Urine output of 300 mL over 8 hours can be considered adequate, especially in the early postoperative period. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's urinary output, but this finding does not require immediate reporting.
Occasional small clots in the urine can be expected after a TURP procedure due to the healing process and sloughing of tissue. However, if the clots become large or obstructive, or if there is a sudden increase in the frequency of clots, it should be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Allowing the toddler to explore and handle the equipment, such as a stethoscope or blood pressure cuff, can help familiarize them with the objects and reduce anxiety. It can be done under the supervision of the nurse to ensure safety.
Starting the examination with routine immunizations can be helpful because it allows the child to get through potentially uncomfortable or distressing procedures early on. It can also create a positive association between the examination and a sense of relief after receiving vaccinations. While it is important to provide age-appropriate explanations to the toddler, it's essential to keep the explanations simple and concise. Using child-friendly language and demonstrating the procedure using dolls or toys can help the toddler understand what will happen during the examination.
Instead of completely undressing the toddler, it is generally more comfortable and less distressing to only partially undress them. For example, the nurse can ask the caregiver to remove the toddler's shirt while leaving the pants on. This approach helps maintain the child's sense of security and provides a level of modesty.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today