What side effect should a nurse monitor for a client receiving dexamethasone post-neurosurgery?

When a client receives dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, it is important for the nurse to monitor for mood swings among other potential side effects. Dexamethasone can cause significant changes in mood and behavior due to its impact on the central nervous system. Corticosteroids are known to induce psychological effects, which might range from elevated mood to irritability and anxiety, sometimes referred to as "steroid psychosis." It is particularly relevant in the context of post-neurosurgery because the surgical procedure itself may already affect the client’s neurological status and mood.

Monitoring for other effects is also important; however, mood swings are particularly noted with corticosteroid administration. While decreased appetite, low serum glucose, and low hemoglobin levels can occur in various contexts, they are not as directly associated with dexamethasone as mood changes are. Therefore, paying close attention to the client's emotional state is critical to ensuring their overall well-being and managing any potential psychiatric side effects of the medication.