A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive, thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because NPH insulin is normally cloudy and should be gently mixed before use. However, the nurse should discard the solution if it has clumps, flakes, or crystals.

Choice B reason: This is correct because NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting or rapid-acting insulins. The nurse should explain to the client that NPH insulin provides basal coverage and may need to be combined with other types of insulin to control blood glucose levels.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because freezing insulin can damage its potency and effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to store unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator and opened vials at room temperature.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because shaking insulin can cause air bubbles and frothing, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. The nurse should instruct the client to roll the insulin vial between the palms of the hands to mix it gently.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because hypotension is not a common effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and sodium retention, which can lead to hypertension, not hypotension.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because muscle weakness is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause muscle wasting and loss of muscle mass, which can affect the patient's mobility and strength, but not as much as delayed wound healing.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because osteoporosis is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause bone loss and increased risk of fractures, which can affect the patient's bone health and stability, but not as much as delayed wound healing.

Choice D reason: This is correct because delayed wound healing is the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can impair the inflammatory response and the immune system, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. This can affect the patient's recovery time and quality.