Which monitoring is essential when using dexamethasone to reduce edema around brain tumors?

• A. Monitor blood glucose, infection signs, and edema reduction; watch for steroid side effects.
• B. Monitor calcium levels only.
• C. No monitoring is required.
• D. Monitor renal function only.

Answer: (C)

Dexamethasone used to reduce cerebral edema from brain tumors carries metabolic and infectious risks that must be monitored, along with checking how well the edema is responding. The key idea is that steroids can cause hyperglycemia, so tracking blood glucose is essential to prevent complications, especially in patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance. They also dampen immune function, increasing infection risk and potentially blunting signs of infection, so vigilant monitoring for any infection is important. At the same time, you need to assess the clinical and radiographic response to see that the edema is actually decreasing and that neurologic status is improving or stabilizing. Because these practical safety and efficacy checks are central to using the medication, monitoring blood glucose, infection signs, and edema reduction is the most appropriate approach. Other options omit critical monitoring (calcium alone, renal function alone) and saying no monitoring is required ignores the known steroid-related risks and the need to gauge treatment effect.