A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the client has maintained control of his blood glucose levels for the past 3 months?

The correct answer is C. Consume a diet high in antioxidants.

Choice A: Complete breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation.

Performing breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation is not recommended. The best time to perform a breast self-exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. This timing helps in detecting any unusual changes more accurately.

Choice B: Expect clear discharge from the nipples.

While some nipple discharge can be normal, it is not something that should be expected as a routine part of breast health. Clear, yellow, or white discharge can occur due to hormonal changes, but any spontaneous discharge, especially if it is bloody or from one breast, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Choice C: Consume a diet high in antioxidants.

Consuming a diet high in antioxidants is beneficial for overall health and may help reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to cancer development. Foods rich in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Choice D: Include meats grilled over high heat in the diet.

Including meats grilled over high heat in the diet is not advisable for someone concerned about cancer risk. Grilling meats at high temperatures can produce carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is better to avoid or limit the consumption of grilled meats.

Choice A reason: Purchasing a stoma cap that can cover and conceal the ileostomy when not in use indicates that the client is in the acceptance stage of grieving, as it shows that they have adapted to their new condition and are able to resume their normal activities and social interactions.

Choice B reason: Having their partner empty their pouch for them every morning indicates that the client is in the denial stage of grieving, as it shows that they are avoiding or rejecting their new condition and are dependent on others for their care.

Choice C reason: Being embarrassed by the odor that comes from their ileostomy indicates that the client is in the depression stage of grieving, as it shows that they have low self-esteem and negative feelings about their new condition and its impact on their quality of life.

Choice D reason: Missing going to their church meetings because of their ostomy indicates that the client is in the anger stage of grieving, as it shows that they have resentment and frustration about their new condition and its interference with their previous routines and values.