A client receiving hydrocortisone should have which nursing intervention implemented?

A client receiving hydrocortisone should have which nursing intervention implemented?

• A. Increase dietary sodium
• B. Limit dietary protein
• C. Limit fluid intake
• D. Assess daily blood glucose

Answer: (D)

When a patient is receiving hydrocortisone, which is a glucocorticoid, one of the significant nursing interventions is to assess daily blood glucose levels. Glucocorticoids can cause hyperglycemia, making this monitoring essential to detect any significant changes in blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids affect carbohydrate metabolism by increasing gluconeogenesis and decreasing glucose uptake in tissues, potentially leading to elevated glucose levels. Therefore, regular monitoring allows for early identification of hyperglycemia and the necessary adjustments to diet or medication if needed. On the other hand, increasing dietary sodium, limiting dietary protein, or restricting fluid intake may not be appropriate for patients on hydrocortisone. Sodium retention is a potential side effect of corticosteroids, which could necessitate monitoring sodium intake instead, while dietary protein is not typically restricted and is often important in maintaining health during steroid therapy. Fluid intake management is also generally not restricted unless there are other underlying conditions needing attention.

When a patient is receiving hydrocortisone, which is a glucocorticoid, one of the significant nursing interventions is to assess daily blood glucose levels. Glucocorticoids can cause hyperglycemia, making this monitoring essential to detect any significant changes in blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids affect carbohydrate metabolism by increasing gluconeogenesis and decreasing glucose uptake in tissues, potentially leading to elevated glucose levels. Therefore, regular monitoring allows for early identification of hyperglycemia and the necessary adjustments to diet or medication if needed.

On the other hand, increasing dietary sodium, limiting dietary protein, or restricting fluid intake may not be appropriate for patients on hydrocortisone. Sodium retention is a potential side effect of corticosteroids, which could necessitate monitoring sodium intake instead, while dietary protein is not typically restricted and is often important in maintaining health during steroid therapy. Fluid intake management is also generally not restricted unless there are other underlying conditions needing attention.