Question

1. Sallie Smith, 42 years of age, is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During the patient education, the patient asks the nurse, "What should I do if I am sick and can't eat; should I still take my medicine for diabetes?

Answer 1

What management strategies should the nurse provide the patient to deal with “sick days?
Take blood sugar every 3-4 hours
When sick, bodies release cortisol and releases stored blood glucose. The body will need extra insulin. Blood sugar will elevate when sick.
No changes to the diet
Encourage to drink noncafinated items if diabetic pt is unable to not drink fluids due to NVD, contact physician immediately if Fever lasts more than 3 days, contact doctor
Diarrhea more than several stools (3-4), call doctor
Anytime with productive cough with colored sputum, contact doctor