Question

1. List five symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. List the necessary elements to include in teaching a client newly diagnosed with diabetes.
2. When preparing a client with diabetes for discharge, the nurse teaches the client the relationship between stress, exercise, bedtime snacking, and glucose balance. Describe the relationships among each of these.
3. Using the patient profile provided, develop and post an education plan for the patient based on their current health status. Include 2 short-term and 1 long-term goals for the patient and provide detailed education to the patient on how to meet these goals and maintain optimum health. Include information on follow-up care as well.

Patient Profile: R.H. is a 62-year-old woman who comes to the clinic for a check-up due to complaints of being over-tired. She works a desk job and gets little to no exercise. She eats a high-fat diet and has gained 18 pounds over the past year. She also reports progressive numbness and weakness in her right foot over the past month. Vitals: BP: 162/98, Pulse: 92, Respirations 20, Temperature: 98.4, Height 5’4”, weight 190 lbs. Labs: Random glucose: 253 mg/dL, A1C: 9.1%.

Answer 1

List five symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hyperglycemia

• Increased thirst
• fatigue
• weight loss
• blurred vision
• Excessive urination.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia

• Dizziness
• irritability
• excessive sweating
• excessive hunger
• confusion

List the necessary elements to include in teaching a client newly diagnosed with diabetes.

• Regular monitoring of blood glucose level
• Diabetic diet
• intake of diabetic medication
• Physical activity
• follow up of care.

When preparing a client with diabetes for discharge, the nurse teaches the client the relationship between stress, exercise, bedtime snacking, and glucose balance. Describe the relationships among each of these.

Stress increases the glucose level. carbohydrate-rich snack at bedtime increases the risk of hyperglycemia. Exercise helps to control the blood sugar level. So reduced stress, light bedtime snack and regular exercise help to balance the glucose level.

Using the patient profile provided, develop and post an education plan for the patient based on their current health status. Include 2 short-term and 1 long-term goal for the patient and provide detailed education to the patient on how to meet these goals and maintain optimum health. Include information on follow-up care as well.

Short-term goal:

• Maintain blood glucose levels at a normal level.
• Follow of regular exercise

Long-term Goal:

• To achieve HbA1c below 7.5

Patient Education:

• Monitor blood glucose levels before meals.
• Practice regular physical exercise.
• Educate the insulin administration and site used to administer.
• Educate about carbohydrate counting and diabetic diet.
• Educate about foot care
• Educate about the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia.
• Encourage to follow-up with care.