Question

Highlight the findings that indicate the patient is progressing as expected. (8-points) The 62-year-old patient who is being admitted by home health after a 6-day admission to the hospital for new onset diabetes and dehydration. The patient has been crying and stated she was not feeling well during the admission process. A low glucose reading was initially obtained, but after a carbohydrate snack and not giving the other insulin injection the patient now has a reading of 78 mg/dL. The nurse has made the proper inter professional team member referrals and helped the patient to find her glasses. The patient does not have three of her discharge medications. Assessment shows skin is warm and dry to touch, and patient denies feeling shaky. Vital signs are BP 140/82, P 88, R 16, T 98.2 F and O2 sat is 98% on room air. The patient verbalizes the normal ranges for blood glucose readings and provides a return demonstration of the use of a blood glucometer.

Answer 1

The patient demonstrates expected progress in managing new onset diabetes through a stabilized blood glucose level, engaging in self-care education, and showing stable vital signs. The nurse effectively provided multidisciplinary care and personal assistance. The absence of discharge medications must be remedied for continued home management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The findings that indicate the patient is progressing as expected after being admitted for new onset diabetes and dehydration include a blood glucose reading that has stabilized to 78 mg/dL after a hypoglycemic event and appropriate management with a carbohydrate snack. The nurse competently made the correct interprofessional team referrals, which is key in multidisciplinary care, and also assisted the patient with personal care needs by helping to find her glasses. The patient's verbalization of the normal ranges for blood glucose readings and the ability to provide a return demonstration of using a blood glucometer indicate that she is engaging in self-care and education—a positive outcome for diabetes management.

The patient's vital signs also reflect stability with a blood pressure of 140/82, pulse of 88, respiration rate of 16, temperature of 98.2 F, and an oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. While the blood pressure is slightly elevated, it is not uncommon in the context of stress such as hospitalization. The absence of tremors or a feeling of shakiness, along with warm and dry skin, further indicates that acute hypoglycemia has been resolved. However, the lack of three discharge medications needs to be addressed to ensure ongoing management of her diabetes at home.