A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for prednisone to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following is a therapeutic effect of this medication?

Choice A reason: Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.

Choice B reason: Hypoglycemia is a low level of glucose in the blood. Furosemide does not affect blood glucose levels or insulin secretion. Hypoglycemia may be caused by other factors such as diabetes medications, fasting, or alcohol intake.

Choice C reason: Weight gain is not an adverse effect of furosemide. Furosemide causes weight loss by reducing fluid retention and edema. Weight gain may be a sign of worsening heart failure or fluid overload.

Choice D reason: Increased blood pressure is not an adverse effect of furosemide. Furosemide lowers blood pressure by decreasing blood volume and cardiac preload. Increased blood pressure may be caused by other factors such as salt intake, stress, or kidney disease.

Choice A reason:This is incorrect. When mixing regular (clear) and NPH (cloudy) insulin, air should be injected into the NPH vial first, then into the regular insulin vial. This prevents contamination of the regular insulin with NPH insulin.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not shake the NPH insulin vial, but rather roll it gently between the palms to mix it. Shaking can cause bubbles and affect the accuracy of the dose.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should draw up the regular insulin into the syringe first, then the NPH insulin. This prevents mixing of the NPH insulin with the regular insulin in the vial.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Regular insulin should always be clear. If it appears cloudy, it may be contaminated or expired and should be discarded.