Which laboratory change is an adverse effect associated with corticosteroids such as dexamethasone?

Which laboratory change is an adverse effect associated with corticosteroids such as dexamethasone?

• A. Sodium increase
• B. Calcium increase
• C. Potassium decrease
• D. Blood glucose increase

Answer: (D)

Steroids commonly cause hyperglycemia because they boost hepatic glucose production and reduce the body's ability to use insulin effectively. Dexa stimulates gluconeogenesis in the liver and impairs peripheral glucose uptake, leading to higher blood glucose levels. This is dose- and duration-dependent and particularly important to monitor in patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance. While electrolyte changes like sodium retention or potassium shifts can occur with steroid use, and long-term use can affect calcium due to bone loss, the most consistent and clinically significant lab abnormality to watch for acutely is an increase in blood glucose.

Steroids commonly cause hyperglycemia because they boost hepatic glucose production and reduce the body's ability to use insulin effectively. Dexa stimulates gluconeogenesis in the liver and impairs peripheral glucose uptake, leading to higher blood glucose levels. This is dose- and duration-dependent and particularly important to monitor in patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance. While electrolyte changes like sodium retention or potassium shifts can occur with steroid use, and long-term use can affect calcium due to bone loss, the most consistent and clinically significant lab abnormality to watch for acutely is an increase in blood glucose.