For clients on corticosteroids, which of the following monitoring strategies is essential?

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for clients on corticosteroids due to the effect these medications have on glucose metabolism. Corticosteroids can cause an increase in blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver and reducing the uptake of glucose by tissues. This can lead to hyperglycemia, particularly in clients with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes.

Therefore, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels allows healthcare providers to identify any significant changes early and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, whether that involves medication adjustments or dietary modifications.

While other monitoring strategies such as checking for signs of dehydration, assessing liver function, and monitoring electrolyte balance are important in certain contexts, the most critical aspect directly related to corticosteroid therapy is blood glucose monitoring. This is especially crucial given that managing hyperglycemia can significantly impact the overall health and recovery of the patient.