A nurse is assessing a child who is being treated for bacterial pneumonia. The nurse notes an increase in the child's blood glucose. The nurse should identify this finding as an adverse effect of which of the following medications?

A. Ondansetron: Ondansetron is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. It does not significantly affect glucose metabolism and is not associated with hyperglycemia. B. Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins respiratory secretions to aid clearance. It has no known effect on blood glucose levels or carbohydrate metabolism. C. Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic. While it treats bacterial infections, it does not typically alter glucose metabolism or cause hyperglycemia as an adverse effect. D. Methylprednisolone: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that increases gluconeogenesis, decreases peripheral glucose uptake, and antagonizes insulin action. These mechanisms can lead to hyperglycemia, making it the likely cause of the observed increase in the child’s blood glucose.