Which nursing intervention is most crucial for a patient receiving hydrocortisone for severe inflammation?

In patients receiving hydrocortisone for severe inflammation, monitoring daily blood glucose levels is a crucial nursing intervention due to the medication's effects on glucose metabolism. Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to increased blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and decreasing the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. This effect is particularly important to track in patients who might already be at risk for hyperglycemia, including those with a history of diabetes or those who are stressed or ill.

By assessing daily blood glucose, the nurse can identify any significant increases in glucose levels early on. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions, such as nutritional adjustments or medication changes, to prevent complications like hyperglycemic crises. Furthermore, maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels is essential to the overall management of the patient's condition and can influence recovery and inflammation control.

Other interventions, while important, do not directly address the critical issue of glycemic control that hydrocortisone can complicate. Therefore, daily blood glucose assessment stands out as the most crucial in this scenario.