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
Placing soiled dressings in a biohazard trash receptacle is the appropriate practice for disposing of potentially infectious materials. It helps prevent the spread of microorganisms and ensures proper handling and disposal of contaminated items.
Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that is not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand rubs. Hand hygiene for C. difficile requires the use of soap and water to thoroughly wash the hands.
Droplet precautions typically require the use of a surgical mask, not a gown and gloves. Gown and gloves are used for contact precautions.
The recommended bleach solution for blood spills is typically a 1:10 dilution, not 1:20. This concentration helps ensure effective disinfection and decontamination of the area.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
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