A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has asthma and is about to start taking theophylline (Theo-24). The nurse should tell the client that this medication might cause which of the following adverse effects?

During an acute asthma attack, the airways become narrowed and inflamed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Short-acting beta2 agonists like Albuterol are the first-line medication for relieving acute asthma symptoms. They work by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, resulting in bronchodilation and improved airflow. Albuterol provides rapid relief of symptoms and is often administered via inhalation.
A. Long-acting beta2 agonists (e.g., salmeterol) are typically used as maintenance therapy for long-term control of asthma symptoms, rather than for immediate relief during an acute attack.
C. Corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone) are anti-inflammatory medications that are often prescribed for asthma, but they are more commonly used as part of a long-term management plan and may not provide immediate relief during an acute attack.
D. Anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium) are sometimes used in combination with short-acting beta2 agonists for acute asthma exacerbations, but they are not typically the initial treatment choice for an acute asthma attack.

The nurse must consider the following when obtaining a health history for a client with diabetes mellitus who has been taking glucocorticoids (prednisone) long-term for uncontrolled COPD:

1. Due to the use of long-term glucocorticoids, the medication must not be abruptly discontinued to avoid adrenal suppression. Abruptly stopping glucocorticoids can lead to adrenal insufficiency and a potentially life-threatening condition. Gradual tapering of the medication is necessary under medical supervision.
2. The use of long-term glucocorticoids may contribute to a spike in blood glucose levels. Glucocorticoids can cause insulin resistance and increase blood sugar levels, which can be problematic for individuals with diabetes mellitus.
3. The use of long-term glucocorticoids places the client at risk for increased susceptibility to infection. Glucocorticoids can suppress the immune system, making the client more susceptible to infections. This is important to consider, especially in a hospital setting where the risk of acquiring infections may be higher.

Regarding the other options:

The client may develop low blood pressure: While glucocorticoids can cause fluid retention and increased blood pressure, they are not typically associated with low blood pressure.

The client will most likely experience more pain: The use of glucocorticoids is not directly related to increased pain perception. Pain management may be influenced by various factors, but it is not specifically attributed to long-term glucocorticoid use.