A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for levothyroxine.

Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?

Explanation:

Bleach is an effective disinfectant for blood spills and is recommended by healthcare guidelines for its ability to kill a broad range of microorganisms, including bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To prepare a bleach solution, the nurse can mix 1-part bleach with 10 parts water. This diluted bleach solution can be used to clean and disinfect the overbed table surfaces that have been contaminated with blood.

A- Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic commonly used for skin preparation before invasive procedures, but it is not the ideal choice for disinfecting surfaces or objects after a blood spill.

B- Isopropyl alcohol is effective for disinfecting small surfaces, but it may not be as effective as bleach for blood spills, particularly in the context of bloodborne pathogens like HIV.

D- Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a disinfectant, but it may not be as effective as bleach in eliminating bloodborne pathogens from surfaces.

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.