HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 5 Related

Review HESI RN Nursing Leadership and Management Exam 5 related questions and content

A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?

  • A. Hypoglycemia
  • B. Hyperkalemia
  • C. Hyperglycemia
  • D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroid therapy can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Corticosteroids can induce insulin resistance, decrease glucose uptake by tissues, and promote gluconeogenesis. While corticosteroid therapy can cause hypoglycemia in some cases, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like renal failure or certain medications. Hyponatremia (choice D) is typically not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy unless there are other contributing factors present.