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Nurses' Notes

2 weeks ago, 0940:

Client presents to clinic with reports of feeling unwell for the past few weeks. Client states, "I have a sore that won't get better on my right foot." Client removed gauze bandage to reveal open wound 3 cm x 4 cm on right foot; draining small amount of purulent drainage. Client awake and alert; chest clear to auscultation; heart tones audible with no abnormal heart tones heard. Client reports frequent urination, increased thirst, and recent 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss without trying. Client denies pain but reports experiencing nausea. BMI is 27.

Vital Signs

2 weeks ago, 0945:

Temperature 38.3° C (100.9°F)

Heart rate 104/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg

Oxygen saturation 97% on room air

Laboratory Results

2 weeks ago 1020:

WBC count 9,500/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)

Blood glucose 250 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)

Triiodothyronine (T3) 200 mg/dL (70 to 205 mg/dL)

• Open wound on right foot with purulent drainage: A non-healing wound with purulent drainage suggests infection, which is a major concern in clients with hyperglycemia. Poor wound healing is common in diabetes due to impaired circulation and immune function.
• Frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight loss: Classic symptoms of hyperglycemia and possible diabetes mellitus. Polyuria and polydipsia result from osmotic diuresis due to high blood glucose levels, while unexplained weight loss may indicate the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy.
• Temperature 38.3° C (100.9° F): Fever indicates a possible systemic infection. In diabetic clients, infections can progress rapidly and lead to complications such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis.
• Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia may be a response to fever, dehydration, or underlying infection. Persistent tachycardia could indicate worsening sepsis or hemodynamic instability.
• Blood pressure 98/74 mm Hg: While not critically low, this blood pressure is on the lower end and could indicate early signs of dehydration from polyuria or systemic infection.
• Blood glucose 250 mg/dL: Significantly elevated blood glucose suggests poor glycemic control, increasing the risk of infection, delayed wound healing, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if it continues to rise.:

• Respiratory rate 18/min: A normal respiratory rate does not indicate respiratory distress or metabolic compensation.
• Oxygen saturation 97% on room air: Oxygenation is within the normal range, suggesting no immediate hypoxia.
• WBC count 9,500/mm³: Within the normal range, although an infection may still be present given the fever and purulent wound drainage.
• Triiodothyronine (T3) 200 mg/dL: Within normal limits, ruling out thyroid dysfunction as a cause of symptoms.
• BMI 27: Slightly overweight but not directly contributing to the acute condition.