Which intervention is important to monitor when a patient is using corticosteroids?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial when a patient is using corticosteroids due to the potential for these medications to induce hyperglycemia. Corticosteroids can increase glucose production in the liver and decrease glucose utilization in the cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for patients with diabetes, as they may require adjustments to their diabetes management plan, including changes in medication or insulin doses.

Maintaining a close watch on blood sugar levels helps to prevent complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes, such as cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and neuropathy. Regular monitoring allows healthcare professionals to intervene promptly if blood glucose levels become elevated, ensuring that the patient remains within a safe and manageable range.

While other factors like fluid balance, weight, and respiratory function are also important to consider with corticosteroid therapy, blood sugar monitoring directly addresses a significant side effect of corticosteroids that can have immediate and serious health implications. Therefore, it is essential for optimizing patient safety and treatment outcomes during corticosteroid therapy.