A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: The child has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is receiving chemotherapy and steroids, which can cause constipation. The nurse should monitor the child's bowel function and provide interventions such as fluids, fiber, and laxatives as prescribed, but this is not an urgent finding.

Choice B reason: The child is in the induction phase of treatment for ALL, which can be stressful and frightening for the child and the family. The child's crying and clinging behavior indicates anxiety and fear, which are normal reactions. The nurse should provide emotional support and education to the child and the guardian, but this is not an urgent finding.

Choice C reason: The child has a fever, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy and steroids. The nurse should assess the child for other signs of infection, administer antipyretics as prescribed, and monitor the child's vital signs, but this is not an urgent finding.

Choice D reason: The child has a double-lumen central line catheter in the left chest wall, which is a potential source of infection. The erythema and purulent drainage at the insertion site indicate that the child has a local infection, which can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication that requires immediate attention and treatment. The nurse should report this finding to the provider, obtain blood cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed.

Choice A reason: Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and altered mental status. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may show increased white blood cells, protein, and glucose. The nurse should assess the neck range of motion and the reaction to pupil assessment, as these may indicate increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by a viral infection. It can cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The CSF analysis may show increased white blood cells and protein, but normal glucose. The nurse should assess the level of consciousness and the neurological status, as these may indicate brain damage.

Choice C reason: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. The nurse should assess the gastrointestinal manifestations and the vital signs, as these may indicate fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice D reason: Migraine is a type of headache that involves recurrent episodes of moderate to severe pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The nurse should assess the location and duration of pain, the triggers and relievers, and the history of migraine. The CSF analysis is usually normal.