A nurse cares for a client with chronic hypercortisolism. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Wash hands when entering the room.
b. Keep the client in airborne isolation.
c. Observe the client for signs of infection.
d. Assess the client's daily chest x-ray.
ANS: A
Excess cortisol reduces the number of circulating lymphocytes, inhibits maturation of macrophages, reduces antibody synthesis, and inhibits production of cytokines and inflammatory chemicals. As a result, these clients are at greater risk of infection and may not have the expected inflammatory manifestations when an infection is present. The nurse needs to take precautions to decrease the client's risk. It is not necessary to keep the client in isolation. The client does not need a daily chest x-ray.
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