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
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Elevating the head of the bed while sleeping is a recommended strategy for managing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). By raising the head of the bed, gravity helps to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux and associated symptoms.
"You should eat three large meals and two snacks per day" is not recommended for GERD management. Instead, it is advised to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the pressure on the stomach and minimize the likelihood of acid reflux.
"You should lay down for 1 hour following a meal" is not recommended for GERD management. It is advised to avoid lying down immediately after meals, as this can increase the risk of acid reflux. It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
"You should only drink 2 cups of coffee per day" is a specific recommendation related to caffeine intake, which can potentially trigger or worsen GERD symptoms in some individuals. However, this statement alone does not encompass the comprehensive dietary recommendations for managing GERD.
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