A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) A step-wise approach will be used to reduce the dosage gradually.

Explanation:

After a certain period of seizure control, a healthcare provider may consider gradually tapering and discontinuing anti-seizure medications in consultation with the child's neurologist. This is often done in a step-wise manner to monitor the child's condition and minimize the risk of seizure recurrence. Stopping anti-seizure medications abruptly can increase the risk of seizures returning. Therefore, the response provided in option A is the most accurate and relevant to the situation.

The other options are incorrect:

B) Your child will always suffer seizures:

This statement is not accurate, as some children with epilepsy can achieve long-term seizure control with appropriate treatment. Epilepsy management varies from person to person, and many individuals can experience extended periods of seizure freedom.

C) This is always a hereditary disorder:

Epilepsy can have both genetic and non-genetic causes. While there are genetic forms of epilepsy, not all cases are hereditary. Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including brain injuries, infections, and other medical conditions.

D) Only her male offspring will experience seizures:

Epilepsy does not discriminate based on gender. Both males and females can be affected by epilepsy. This statement is not accurate and does not reflect the reality of epilepsy as a medical condition.

Fluid Requirement (mL/24 hours) = Weight (kg) × Fluid Requirement (mL/kg)

Given that the child weighs 70.4 pounds, we first need to convert this weight to kilograms (1 lb = 0.453592 kg):

Weight in kg = 70.4 lb × 0.453592 kg/lb ≈ 31.89 kg

Now, let's calculate the fluid requirement using the given choices:

A) 1740:

Fluid Requirement = 31.89 kg × 55 mL/kg = 1753.95 mL

B) 134056:

This number is significantly larger than any reasonable fluid requirement and is likely an error.

C) 2:

This value is far too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.

D) 12:

This value is also too low to represent the fluid requirements of a child.

So, the correct answer is A) 1740 mL. The child's estimated daily fluid requirement would be around 1740 mL in a 24-hour period, based on a weight of 70.4 pounds.