Common Drug Classifications Nursing Related

Review Common Drug Classifications Nursing related questions and content

A client with diabetes mellitus visits a health care clinic. The client's diabetes mellitus previously had been well controlled with glyburide (DiaBeta) daily, but recently the fasting blood glucose level has been 180 to 200 mg/dL. Which medication, if added to the client's regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia?

  • A. Prednisone
  • B. Phenelzine (Nardil)
  • C. Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • D. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Prednisone may decrease the effect of oral hypoglycemics, insulin, diuretics, and potassium supplements. Option 2, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and option 3, a β-blocker, have their own intrinsic hypoglycemic activity. Option 4 decreases urinary excretion of sulfonylurea agents, causing increased levels of the oral agents, which can lead to hypoglycemia.