What monitoring parameter is essential for a patient receiving corticosteroids?

Monitoring a patient receiving corticosteroids is crucial due to the various side effects associated with long-term steroid use. Therefore, daily weight, serum electrolytes, and blood glucose levels are all important parameters to track.

Daily weight is essential because corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and subsequently lead to weight gain, which can indicate potential heart failure, especially in susceptible individuals.

Serum electrolytes need to be monitored as corticosteroids can cause imbalances, particularly increasing sodium and decreasing potassium levels. These changes can result in hypertension and other electrolyte-related complications.

Blood glucose levels are also critical to monitor because corticosteroids can induce hyperglycemia. This is particularly relevant for patients with diabetes, as it may require adjustments in their glucose management.

Considering the potential impacts on all these parameters, monitoring them collectively provides a comprehensive view of the patient’s status, making it clear why all three are essential. This multifaceted monitoring helps mitigate risks associated with corticosteroid therapy and ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment.