Final answer:
A nurse monitoring a client on methylprednisolone should check the White blood cell count, Serum potassium, and Blood glucose values due to the medication's effects on immune function and metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a client receiving methylprednisolone should plan to monitor the following laboratory values: White blood cell count, Serum potassium, and Blood glucose. These values are influenced by methylprednisolone due to its immunosuppressive and metabolic effects.
White blood cell count should be monitored as glucocorticoids like methylprednisolone can increase the number of white blood cells. A high white cell count could be suggestive of infection or a reaction to the medication. Serum potassium is important to monitor because methylprednisolone can lead to changes in serum potassium levels. Potassium is critical for cellular function, and its levels can be affected by changes in glucose or insulin administration. Finally, blood glucose levels should be watched closely since glucocorticoids stimulate glucose synthesis and gluconeogenesis, potentially causing hyperglycemia.