A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult client who was admitted from a long-term care facility.

Admission Assessment 1400:

Client's history includes cigarette smoking for 50 years but quit 3 years ago, Parkinson's disease, and anxiety. Yesterday, client reported "feeling bad." Client is alert and oriented to self, reports upper chest discomfort, and is coughing up thick clear sputum.

Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

- A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

- B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

- C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

- D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "I will take the medication in the morning," indicates lack of understanding. Metformin is usually taken with large meals, and taking it in the morning is not the best timing.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "I will expect to gain weight," is incorrect. Weight gain is not an expected side effect of metformin. In fact, metformin is often associated with weight loss or weight maintenance, especially in individuals with diabetes, as it helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "I will take the medication on an empty stomach," is incorrect for extended-release metformin tablets. Unlike immediate-release metformin, extended-release tablets should be taken with meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "I will avoid crushing this medication," is correct. Metformin extended-release tablets should never be crushed or broken, as it can affect the way the medication is released into the body. Crushing or breaking the tablet can lead to a sudden release of a large amount of metformin, potentially causing an overdose.