Question

A 15-year-old male client was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. He tells the nurse that he has difficulty adhering to his meal plan when he is with his friends. What nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

a. Advise him to take his own food with him on going to fast food restaurants with his friends
b. Encourage him to find activities to do with his friends that do not involve eating
c. Assist him in identifying popular fast foods that are within his meal plan for diabetes
d. Recommend that he avoid fast food restaurants until he is familiar with his prescribed diet

Answer 1

The most suitable nursing intervention for a young client with type 1 diabetes struggling with meal plan adherence around friends is to provide guidance on selecting fast food items that fit within his dietary requirements, empowering him to make better choices without feeling socially isolated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing intervention for a 15-year-old male client with type 1 diabetes who finds it difficult to adhere to his meal plan when with friends is to assist him in identifying popular fast foods that are within his meal plan. This approach empowers the client to make informed choices when eating out with friends, leading to better adherence to dietary management of his condition. It's important to work with him to understand the nutritional content of fast food options and determine which ones fit within his dietary needs. Additionally, the nurse should emphasize the importance of planning and making wise food choices to manage his diabetes effectively while still enjoying social activities.

The challenges of managing diabetes at school, such as dealing with blood sugar management under stress and finding time and space for self-care, underscore the need for education and support in making smart dietary decisions that fit within a young individual's lifestyle. This approach allows for greater flexibility and minimizes the feelings of isolation or difference from peers, which are important for the psychological well-being of the individual.