Final answer:
Nursing considerations for patients taking insulin include performing a physical assessment, assessing for skin lesions and orientation/reflexes, investigating nutritional intake, and ensuring adherence to a dietary and exercise regimen.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering nursing considerations for patients taking insulin, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Perform a physical assessment to establish a baseline before beginning therapy. This includes assessing the patient's overall health, vital signs, and any existing medical conditions.
- Assess for presence of any skin lesions as well as the patient's orientation and reflexes. This can help identify any potential complications or side effects of insulin therapy.
- Investigate nutritional intake, noting any problems with intake and adherence to prescribed diet. It's important to ensure that the patient is following a proper diet to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
- Ensure that the patient is following a dietary and exercise regimen. Both diet and exercise play a crucial role in managing diabetes and insulin therapy.