What should the nursing intervention focus on when caring for an 84-year-old client with diabetes who is on hydrocortisone?

When caring for an elderly client with diabetes who is receiving hydrocortisone, the primary focus should be on monitoring blood glucose levels frequently. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that can lead to increased blood glucose levels due to its effects on metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This is particularly critical for clients with diabetes, as they are already at risk for hyperglycemia.

Frequent monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess how the medication is affecting the client's blood sugar levels and to make necessary adjustments to their diabetes management plan. It ensures timely intervention in case of hyperglycemia, thus minimizing complications associated with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. This proactive approach is key in managing a client’s diabetes effectively while they are on corticosteroid therapy.

The other options, while they may hold some importance in overall health management, do not directly address the immediate concerns associated with the interaction of hydrocortisone and diabetes management.