Question

The most recent blood work of a patient with a longstanding diagnosis of type 1 diabetes has shown the presence of microalbuminuria. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

A) Teach the patient about actions to slow the progression of nephropathy.
B) Ensure that the patient receives a comprehensive assessment of liver function.
C) Determine whether the patient has been using expired insulin.
D) Administer a fluid challenge and have the test repeated.

Answer 1

The nurse's most appropriate action when a patient with type 1 diabetes presents with microalbuminuria is to educate the patient on ways to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, including controlling blood sugar levels and managing hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of microalbuminuria in a patient with longstanding type 1 diabetes is indicative of possible diabetic nephropathy, a form of kidney damage. The most appropriate action for the nurse would be to teach the patient about actions to slow the progression of nephropathy (Option A). This includes controlling blood sugar levels, managing hypertension, and possibly altering diet to reduce sodium intake. Drugs may also be prescribed to reduce protein levels in urine. Ensuring that the patient has not been using expired insulin (Option C) or administering a fluid challenge (Option D) are less immediate concerns compared to educational intervention about nephropathy. A comprehensive assessment of liver function (Option B) is not directly related to the finding of microalbuminuria and is therefore not the most appropriate initial action.