Question

A nurse is teaching a client with diabetes mellitus who requires insulin about methods of preventing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) when the client is ill. The nurse tells the client to:

a) Increase insulin dosage as needed
b) Skip insulin doses during illness
c) Monitor blood glucose levels less frequently
d) Stay well-hydrated and continue insulin even if unable to eat

Answer 1

The nurse advises the client to stay well-hydrated and continue taking insulin even if unable to eat during illness to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse tells the client to: d) Stay well-hydrated and continue insulin even if unable to eat. During illness, it is important for individuals with diabetes to continue taking their insulin, even if they are unable to eat. This is because illness can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

By staying well-hydrated and continuing insulin, the body can better regulate blood glucose levels and prevent DKA. It is also important for the client to monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently during illness to ensure they are within target range.