A nurse is educating a patient on proper hearing aid care and maintenance. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Warm and moist skin is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. Instead, hypoglycemia often causes symptoms such as cold, clammy skin due to the body’s response to low blood sugar levels. Warm and moist skin can be associated with other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or fever, but not hypoglycemia.

Choice B Reason:

A decreased appetite is not a common symptom of hypoglycemia. In fact, hypoglycemia can sometimes cause increased hunger as the body signals the need for more glucose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are more related to the body’s immediate response to low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion.

Choice C Reason:

Increased thirst is a symptom more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels are high, the body tries to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, does not typically cause increased thirst.

Choice D Reason:

Feeling shaky is a classic symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop, the body releases adrenaline, which can cause shakiness, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for individuals with diabetes to take immediate action to raise their blood sugar levels and prevent severe hypoglycemia.

Choice A Reason:

Night blindness, or difficulty seeing in low light, is not a primary symptom of macular degeneration. This condition primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Night blindness is more commonly associated with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or vitamin A deficiency.

Choice B Reason:

Central vision loss is the hallmark of macular degeneration. This condition leads to the deterioration of the macula, causing blurred or lost central vision while peripheral vision remains intact. Patients often report difficulty reading, recognizing faces, and performing tasks that require fine visual detail3.

Choice C Reason:

Peripheral vision loss is not typically associated with macular degeneration. This condition affects the central part of the retina, leaving peripheral vision largely unaffected. Peripheral vision loss is more commonly seen in conditions like glaucoma.

Choice D Reason:

Double vision, or diplopia, is not a characteristic symptom of macular degeneration. This condition affects the clarity of central vision but does not typically cause double vision. Double vision can result from issues with the eye muscles or nerves, such as in cases of strabismus or cranial nerve palsies.