What is the effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy in a client?

Long-term corticosteroid therapy is known to affect various metabolic processes in the body, and one of the significant impacts is on blood glucose control. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can induce gluconeogenesis in the liver and inhibit the action of insulin, leading to increased blood glucose levels. This hyperglycemic effect can worsen control in patients, particularly those who have existing diabetes or are at risk for developing it.

The medication also promotes insulin resistance, further complicating glucose management. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor blood glucose levels in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, as they may require adjustments to their diabetes management plans to accommodate for these changes.

The other options, while they may seem plausible in some contexts, do not accurately reflect the commonly understood effects of long-term corticosteroid use. For instance, corticosteroids do not generally improve blood pressure; they can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure instead. Similarly, long-term corticosteroid use is associated with decreased potassium levels due to their mineralocorticoid effects, which can lead to hypokalemia. Furthermore, corticosteroids generally decrease insulin sensitivity rather than enhance it.