Final answer:
The nurse should monitor for mood swings, decreased appetite, increased weight gain, and delayed incisional wound healing in a client receiving dexamethasone following neurosurgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is receiving dexamethasone (Decadron) following neurosurgery, the nurse should monitor for several side effects. These can include mood swings, decreased appetite, increased weight gain, and delayed incisional wound healing.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication that can affect the body's hormonal balance, metabolism, and immune system. Mood swings and changes in appetite are common side effects. Weight gain may also occur due to fluid retention and increased appetite. Additionally, corticosteroids can impair wound healing by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation.