Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
The client, hospitalized with an exacerbation of SLE, is to receive methylprednisolone 20 mg IV q8h. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate being included in the client's plan of care?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
A: Clients receiving systemic corticosteroids are at risk for hypertension, not orthostatic hypotension. B: Constipation is not an adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy. C: Antihistamine medications are not used before administration of corticosteroids. D: Methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol) is a corticosteroid. Therapy with corticosteroids causes hyperglycemia. The blood glucose level should be monitored.