A nurse is providing teaching to a school-age child who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the child indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

B. Deep rapid respirations are more characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes that leads to high blood sugar levels and metabolic acidosis.

C. Dry, flushed skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it might be associated with conditions like dehydration or heat exposure, but not with low blood sugar.

D. Tachycardia

Explanation: The symptoms described by the adolescent (feeling shaky, difficulty speaking, difficulty concentrating) along with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoglycemia. The body increases the heart rate in an attempt to improve blood flow and deliver glucose to the brain and other vital organs. This is part of the body's fight-or-flight response to low blood sugar.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. When planning care for a child with ASD, it's important to consider their individual needs and strengths.

A) Allow for adjustment of rules to correlate with the child's behavior:

Children with ASD often benefit from consistent routines and clear expectations. Adjusting rules based on behavior might confuse the child and undermine the structure they rely on for understanding their environment.

B) Allow for imaginative play with peers without supervision:

Children with ASD can struggle with social interactions and may need guidance to engage in play with peers successfully. Unsupervised imaginative play might lead to challenges or misunderstandings, making supervision and support important.

C) Provide a flexible schedule that adjusts to the child's interests:

This is a crucial intervention. Many children with ASD find comfort in routines, but rigidity can be detrimental. A flexible schedule that incorporates the child's interests can enhance engagement, motivation, and learning. It provides structure while accommodating the child's preferences.

D) Establish a reward system for positive behavior:

Reward systems can be effective for motivating positive behaviors in children with ASD. Visual cues and rewards are often helpful in reinforcing desired behaviors. This intervention can encourage appropriate social interactions and communication.