A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a T4 spinal cord injury.

Exhibits

Select 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence.</p>

The client is at risk for developing

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due to

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.

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 reason

Increased food intake does not show medication is effective: Increased food intake is not a specific indication of donepezil's effectiveness. While some clients with dementia may have improved appetite due to reduced agitation or confusion, it is not directly related to the medication's therapeutic effect.

Choice B reason:

Can perform ADLs independently is inappropriate: The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently can be a positive outcome in clients with dementia. However, it may not be solely attributed to donepezil, as ADLs can be influenced by various factors, including the client's overall condition and support received.

Choice C reason:

Improved short-term memory is correct. One of the primary goals of using donepezil is to improve memory and slow the decline in cognitive abilities associated with dementia. Therefore, if a client shows improvement in short-term memory, it suggests that the medication is having a positive effect in preserving cognitive function.

Choice D reason

Enhanced mood does not show the medicine is effective: Donepezil is primarily aimed at improving cognitive function and memory, and its effects on mood may be limited. While some clients may experience mood improvements due to reduced frustration or confusion from memory loss, it is not the primary indicator of the medication's effectiveness.