The nurse should question an order for bismuth salts for a client with what condition?

The nurse should question the administration of human insulin to this client because they do not need exogenous insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Human insulin is indicated for clients who have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that cannot be controlled by oral antidiabetic agents, diet, or exercise.

Choice A is wrong because a client who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes may need human insulin to control their blood glucose levels during pregnancy, as oral antidiabetic agents are contraindicated.

Choice B is wrong because a client with type 2 diabetes, controlled with oral antidiabetic agents, who has a systemic infection may need human insulin to manage their blood glucose levels during periods of stress, as infection can increase blood glucose levels and impair the action of oral antidiabetic agents.

Choice D is wrong because a client who has been living with type 1 diabetes for 20 years needs human insulin to replace the endogenous insulin that their pancreas cannot produce.

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.