Final answer:
The nurse should primarily address the recognition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia among the given options, as these are fundamental 'survival skills' for a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to manage daily life-threatening situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse teaching a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes should address the topic of recognition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (Option D). These are critical 'survival skills' as they address immediate life-threatening situations that a person with type 1 diabetes must manage on a daily basis. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose levels, which can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness and unconsciousness, potentially being fatal if untreated. Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose levels which can also have severe consequences such as nerve damage and cardiovascular complications. Understanding the early signs and how to correctly respond to these conditions is crucial for the ongoing health and safety of the individual with diabetes.
Among the options provided, while diabetic nephropathy (Option A) is an important long-term complication of diabetes, and management of diabetic ketoacidosis (Option B) is critical in acute situations, recognizing and responding to the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is more fundamenal for daily management. The effects of surgery and pregnancy on blood sugar levels (Option C), while relevant, are not considered immediate 'survival skills' for day-to-day living. Educating patients on recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, confusion, sweating, and hyperglycemia, which can include frequent urination, increased thirst, and blurred vision, enables them to take prompt action, which is pivotal for their immediate wellbeing.