Question

Which outcome is essential for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus?

1 Emphasizing the importance of daily foot inspection
2 Ensuring the client recognizes the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
3 Ensuring that the family or caregiver can administer insulin prior to client discharge
4 Teaching the client to recognize how many carbohydrate units may be consumed with each meal

Answer 1

The essential outcome for a care plan for a newly diagnosed diabetic client is ensuring that they understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is crucial for prompt treatment to prevent severe consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

An essential outcome to include in the plan of care for a client who has been newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is ensuring that the client recognizes the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. This is crucial because individuals with diabetes are at risk of experiencing low blood sugar levels, especially if they are using insulin or certain diabetes medications. Recognizing the early signs of hypoglycemia can allow for prompt treatment, potentially preventing severe consequences such as loss of consciousness or seizures.

Other aspects essential to diabetes care include daily foot inspections to prevent complications from neuropathy, understanding insulin administration, and knowing how to count carbohydrates to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Education on these topics should be provided by diabetes educators who are often involved in improving the care of diabetic patients in various healthcare settings.