A nurse is collecting data from a client who has Cushing’s syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Wearing closed-toed shoes daily is a good practice for people with diabetes, as it can protect the feet from injuries and infections. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. These complications are mainly caused by high blood glucose levels that damage the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes and feet.

Choice B reason: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. High blood glucose levels can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the eyes and feet. This can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and vision loss (retinopathy) over time. Keeping blood glucose levels within the target range can reduce the risk of these complications and slow down their progression if they already exist.

Choice C reason: Planning to have an eye examination once per year is a recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help detect and treat retinopathy before it causes irreversible damage to the retina. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Eye examinations cannot prevent retinopathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: Examining your feet carefully every day is another recommended action for people with diabetes, as it can help identify and treat any signs of neuropathy, such as numbness, tingling, pain, or ulcers. However, it is not the most important action for preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy. Foot examinations cannot prevent neuropathy from occurring or worsening; they can only monitor its status and provide appropriate care.

Choice A reason: Roast chicken with white rice is a low-fiber, easy-to-digest meal that is suitable for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. A low-fiber diet can help reduce the stress on the colon and allow it to heal. White rice is a refined grain that has less fiber than whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa12.

Choice B reason: A poached egg with sliced tomatoes is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Although eggs are a good source of protein and do not contain fiber, tomatoes are high in fiber and may irritate the colon. Tomatoes also have seeds, which were previously thought to cause problems for people with diverticular disease, but there is no evidence to support this. However, some people may still find them uncomfortable to eat13.

Choice C reason: Bean soup with steamed broccoli is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Beans and broccoli are both high in fiber and may cause gas, bloating, and cramping in the colon. A high-fiber diet is recommended for people with diverticulosis (the presence of pouches without inflammation) to prevent constipation and diverticulitis, but it should be avoided during or shortly after an episode of diverticulitis12.

Choice D reason: Ham sandwich on white bread is not a good choice for a client who has recovered from the acute phase of diverticulitis. Although white bread is low in fiber, ham is a processed meat that may increase the risk of developing diverticular disease. Research suggests that a diet high in red meat and processed meat may contribute to inflammation and infection of the pouches in the colon.