Which assessment finding indicates effective therapy with ketoconazole?

Which assessment finding indicates effective therapy with ketoconazole?

• A. The patient has increased urination at night
• B. The patient has weight gain
• C. The patient has decreased pain
• D. The patient has a decreased blood glucose level

Answer: (D)

The correct answer, which indicates effective therapy with ketoconazole, is a decreased blood glucose level. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that also has effects on adrenal function. It can inhibit steroidogenesis, which leads to a reduction in cortisol production. This is particularly important in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, where excess cortisol can lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, a decrease in blood glucose level can reflect a positive response to treatment, as it suggests that the management of cortisol has improved the patient's condition. The other findings would not be indicative of effective therapy with ketoconazole. Increased urination at night might suggest a different underlying condition that is not necessarily addressed by the drug. Weight gain could be associated with excessive cortisol levels and may not reflect a treatment response. Decreased pain is a non-specific outcome that does not directly correlate with the pharmacological effects of ketoconazole on cortisol levels.

The correct answer, which indicates effective therapy with ketoconazole, is a decreased blood glucose level. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that also has effects on adrenal function. It can inhibit steroidogenesis, which leads to a reduction in cortisol production. This is particularly important in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, where excess cortisol can lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, a decrease in blood glucose level can reflect a positive response to treatment, as it suggests that the management of cortisol has improved the patient's condition.

The other findings would not be indicative of effective therapy with ketoconazole. Increased urination at night might suggest a different underlying condition that is not necessarily addressed by the drug. Weight gain could be associated with excessive cortisol levels and may not reflect a treatment response. Decreased pain is a non-specific outcome that does not directly correlate with the pharmacological effects of ketoconazole on cortisol levels.