A client with type 2 diabetes begins long-term prednisone th… | MyMerci
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Medication Administration PPT
Question

A client with type 2 diabetes begins long-term prednisone therapy for an inflammatory disorder. Which monitoring instruction is most important for the nurse to reinforce?

Explanation
Prednisone can worsen hyperglycemia and suppress immune responses, increasing infection risk and sometimes masking infection cues. A client with diabetes needs prescribed glucose surveillance and prompt reporting of possible infection rather than independently stopping glucocorticoid therapy.
Next question on this topicBefore giving a scheduled dose of digoxin, the nurse obtains an apical pulse of 54/min in …

In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Monitor glucose and infection cues together.

Why this is correct
Systemic prednisone can raise blood glucose and reduce immune defenses. Fever, sore throat, or poor wound healing may require prompt evaluation, while glucose surveillance helps detect worsening diabetic control.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Prednisone can turn up the glucose dial while turning down the infection alarm.

Memory hook
Steroid safety: sugar up, defenses down.

NCLEX decision rule
For chronic glucocorticoid therapy, monitor predictable metabolic and immune adverse effects and avoid abrupt self-discontinuation.

Why the other choices are wrong
Stopping prednisone independently can be unsafe, blood pressure alone misses major risks, and annual eye care does not replace ongoing metabolic and infection surveillance.
References
1DailyMed: Prednisone tabletsHyperglycemia, immunosuppression, and infection warnings
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For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.