Final answer:
A mother of a child with type I diabetes and ketones in the urine should be instructed to encourage her child to drink fluids, administer an additional dose of regular insulin, and seek immediate medical attention at a clinic. Withholding insulin is not recommended as it can worsen the condition leading to diabetic ketoacidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child with type I diabetes presents with urine positive for ketones, it is an indication that the child's body is using fat for energy instead of glucose. This situation can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a critical condition that needs immediate medical attention. The presence of ketones is often due to insufficient insulin levels, allowing high levels of glucose to remain in the bloodstream, prompting fat metabolism for energy. It is essential for individuals with type I diabetes to frequently monitor their blood sugar levels and take insulin therapy as prescribed. Upon detection of urine ketones and sickness in a child with type I diabetes, the nurse should instruct the mother to:
- Encourage the kid to drink liquids - This helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen the ketosis condition.
- Administer the additional dose of regular insulin - Father than withholding it. This is important to reduce the blood glucose levels and suppress further ketone production.
- Come to the clinic STAT - Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to assess the severity of the situation and provide appropriate treatment.
It is important to note that holding the next dose of insulin could exacerbate the child's condition and is not recommended. Treatment of these conditions may also include low carbohydrate diets or other medications to control blood glucose levels, but immediate response to ketosis should be as directed by the healthcare provider.