All of the following are functions of glucocorticoids, EXCEPT:

DSSSB October 2024

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Glucocorticoids consistently increase, rather than decrease, blood glucose levels.
This hyperglycemic effect occurs because they stimulate the liver to produce more glucose (gluconeogenesis) and reduce the ability of peripheral tissues to utilize glucose.
This effect is so significant that hyperglycemia is a common and expected side effect of glucocorticoid therapy, often referred to as 'steroid-induced hyperglycemia'.

Option A: This is a primary and well-known function of glucocorticoids. They are widely used in medicine for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Option B: This is a correct statement. While primarily a function of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids (especially at higher doses) possess mineralocorticoid activity, leading to sodium retention and potassium loss.
Option C: This is a fundamental physiological role of glucocorticoids. They are released during times of stress to help the body cope by mobilizing energy and maintaining cardiovascular function.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological functions of glucocorticoids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must diligently monitor patients on glucocorticoid therapy for hyperglycemia, especially those with pre-existing diabetes, as their insulin or medication needs may increase.
Due to the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids, nurses should be vigilant for subtle or atypical signs of infection, as classic signs like fever and inflammation can be masked.
Patient education is critical, including the importance of not stopping the medication abruptly to prevent adrenal crisis and reporting any signs of infection, swelling, or significant weight gain.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'functions of glucocorticoids'.
Next, notice the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This signals that you need to find the one option that is FALSE or not a function of glucocorticoids.
Systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of endocrine pharmacology.
Recall that glucocorticoids are 'stress hormones' and a major part of the stress response is to increase available energy (glucose) for the body. This makes the option 'Decreases blood glucose level' immediately suspect.
Confirm the other options: 'Anti-inflammatory' is a primary therapeutic use. 'Helps withstand stress' is a core physiological role. 'Retention of sodium' is a known mineralocorticoid effect they possess.
By elimination and direct knowledge, conclude that decreasing blood glucose is the only incorrect statement, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiological functions of glucocorticoids
Stem keywords: functions, glucocorticoids
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the function that glucocorticoids do NOT perform.

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