Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for an 84-year-old client with diabetes receiving hydrocortisone 40 mg daily?

For an elderly client receiving hydrocortisone, monitoring blood glucose levels frequently is highly pertinent due to several reasons related to the pharmacological action of the medication. Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, can cause hyperglycemia by increasing gluconeogenesis and inhibiting the effect of insulin. This potential for elevated blood glucose levels is especially significant in a client with diabetes, where maintaining stable glucose levels is critical to avoid complications such as hyperglycemic crises.

Regular monitoring allows for timely adjustments to the client's diabetes management plan, whether it involves sliding scale insulin adjustments, dietary modifications, or other interventions. In elderly patients, the risk of fluctuating blood glucose levels can lead to greater morbidity, making vigilant monitoring crucial. This proactive approach is essential to ensure optimal glycemic control and minimize the risks associated with steroid therapy in diabetic patients.

In contrast, interventions such as assessing joint mobility, encouraging a high-protein diet, or administering pain medication, while important in their own contexts, do not directly address the immediate and critical need to manage blood glucose levels in the face of hydrocortisone administration.