A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension.
Which of the following actions is the bestfor the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale:

Asking, "What would your family do without you?" can be seen as judgmental and may not encourage open communication. It doesn't directly address the client's statement about feeling like a burden or wanting to be gone.

Choice B rationale:

Saying, "When you get better you will not feel this way," minimizes the client's feelings and can be invalidating. It does not show empathy or concern for the client's current emotional state.

Choice C rationale:

Asking, "Why would you think a thing like that?" can come across as judgmental and may make the client defensive. It does not directly address the client's emotional distress or suicidal ideation.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" is a direct and appropriate question to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide. It demonstrates concern for the client's well-being and opens the door for a more in-depth conversation about their feelings and thoughts. Assessing for suicidal ideation is a crucial step in providing appropriate care for a client with depressive disorder.

Choice A rationale:

Injecting additional insulin before exercising is not a recommended practice for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during exercise. The goal is to ensure that blood glucose levels are within a safe range before starting physical activity.

Choice B rationale:

Eating a piece of fruit before exercising is a suitable recommendation for someone with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consuming a source of carbohydrates, such as fruit, can help prevent hypoglycemia during exercise. Carbohydrates provide a steady source of glucose for energy.

Choice C rationale:

Exercising when insulin is at its peak action can be risky for individuals with type 1 diabetes. At this time, the risk of hypoglycemia is higher because insulin is actively lowering blood sugar levels. It is generally recommended to exercise when insulin is at a moderate or lower level of activity to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding protein before exercising is not a specific recommendation for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. While protein does not directly impact blood glucose levels as carbohydrates do, it is an essential nutrient for overall health. A balanced meal or snack that includes carbohydrates and protein is typically a better choice before exercise.