A newly diagnosed patient asks the nurse to explain asthma. Which of the following explanations by the nurse is correct?

C. Pursed lip breathing is a technique that can help patients with acute dyspnea by improving ventilation, prolonging exhalation, and reducing the work of breathing. It helps to keep the airways open longer and makes it easier to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, which can provide quick relief from acute shortness of breath.
A. Teaching the patient about using accessory muscles for breathing can be beneficial in managing chronic respiratory issues, but it is not an immediate intervention.
B. Understanding the cause of dyspnea is important for treatment planning but it is not the first action to take when the patient is experiencing acute shortness of breath.
D. The Sims position, where the patient lies on their side with the lower arm behind the back and the upper leg flexed, is not typically used for relieving acute respiratory distress.

C. Medical nutrition therapy for diabetes involves creating a well-balanced, individualized meal plan that meets the patient's nutritional needs while helping to manage blood glucose levels. This approach can be healthy for the entire family and does not require separate meals or special foods. It promotes overall healthy eating habits that everyone can benefit from.
A. Low-carbohydrate diets may be considered for some patients but the emphasis of a diabetic diet is not necessarily on high-protein intake. Instead, the focus is on balanced meals that include appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
B. People with diabetes do not require special foods; rather, they need to make healthier choices from the foods available. The emphasis is on a balanced diet that can include regular foods, with modifications to portion sizes and meal timing to manage blood glucose levels effectively.
D. It is not necessary to completely avoid sugars and fats; rather, the focus should be on moderating intake and choosing healthier options. For example, limiting added sugars and unhealthy fats (like trans fats and saturated fats) is important, but healthy fats (such as those from nuts, seeds, and avocados) can be part of a balanced diet.