A nurse is reinforcing teaching about preventing long-term complications of retinopathy and neuropathy with an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions is the most important for the nurse to include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Weight loss is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. On the contrary, weight gain and obesity are common signs of this condition, especially in the trunk, face and upper back1.

Choice B reason: Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It can be caused by other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, menopause or anxiety.

Choice C reason: Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, is a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. It occurs due to increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body, but it is more noticeable in areas exposed to friction or pressure, such as the elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits.

Choice D reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. In fact, high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the common symptoms of this condition, due to the effects of cortisol on the cardiovascular system.

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.