The nurse is caring for a client with renal dysfunction who requires an oral antidiabetic agent.
What drug will the nurse expect to see ordered?

This is because a nutritious diet provides adequate fiber and nutrients for the GI tract, avoiding alcohol prevents dehydration and irritation of the GI mucosa, and cautious use of laxatives prevents dependency and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice A is wrong because caffeine can stimulate the GI motility and cause diarrhea or cramps.

Choice C is wrong because some prescription medications can affect the GI function, such as antibiotics, opioids, or antacids.

Increased fluid intake is good, but not enough to promote optimal GI function.

Vigorous exercise can also cause GI distress or dehydration.

Choice D is wrong because adequate fluid intake is essential for preventing constipation and maintaining hydration.

Exercise can also help with bowel movements and overall health.

Normal ranges for GI function vary depending on the individual, but generally, a person should have at least one bowel movement every 3 days and no more than 3 bowel movements per day.

The stool should be soft, formed, and easy to pass.

Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that suppresses the production of natural cortisol by the adrenal glands. Taking prednisone on alternate days allows the adrenal glands to recover and produce some cortisol on the days without prednisone.

Choice B is wrong because prednisone does not eliminate adverse side effects, but may cause some such as weight gain, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose, and increased risk of infection.

Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of steroid tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.

Choice D is wrong because prednisone does not prolong therapeutic effects, but may decrease them over time due to feedback inhibition of cortisol secretion.

Normal ranges for cortisol are 6 to 23 mcg/dL in the morning and 2 to 11 mcg/dL in the afternoon.