A nurse is teaching an older adult client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus about preventing the long-term complications of retinopathy and nephropathy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
"Wear compression stockings daily."
"Have an eye examination once per year."
"Maintain stable blood glucose levels."
"Examine your feet carefully every day."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Wear compression stockings daily":
Compression stockings are not directly related to preventing the complications of retinopathy and nephropathy in diabetes. They are more commonly recommended for managing conditions like venous insufficiency and preventing blood clots.
B. "Have an eye examination once per year":
While regular eye examinations are important for monitoring and early detection of diabetic retinopathy, maintaining stable blood glucose levels is more directly related to preventing the progression of retinopathy.
C. "Maintain stable blood glucose levels":
This is the correct instruction. Stable blood glucose levels are crucial in preventing and minimizing the long-term complications of diabetes, including retinopathy (damage to the retina) and nephropathy (kidney damage). Consistent blood glucose control is key to reducing the risk of complications.
D. "Examine your feet carefully every day":
Daily foot examinations are essential for preventing diabetic foot complications, including ulcers and infections. While important for overall diabetes management, foot care is not specifically directed at preventing retinopathy and nephropathy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tremors:
Tremors or shaking is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop too low, the body reacts by releasing hormones like adrenaline, leading to symptoms such as tremors, shakiness, and palpitations.
B. Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Instead, hypoglycemia tends to stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can increase heart rate.
C. Vomiting:
Vomiting is not a classic manifestation of hypoglycemia. Nausea may occur, but vomiting is more commonly associated with conditions such as hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
D. Fruity odor on the client’s breath:
A fruity odor on the breath is more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in individuals with diabetes mellitus, particularly when there is an accumulation of ketones in the body. It is not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Blood glucose level below 40 mg/dL is not typical in diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, and blood glucose levels are usually significantly elevated.
B. Acetone odor to breath is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. The presence of ketones, including acetone, can result in a fruity or sweet odor to the breath. This is often referred to as "ketone breath."
C. Malignant hypertension is not a typical manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA is more commonly associated with dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis.
D. Cheyne-Stokes breathing is not a characteristic respiratory pattern seen in diabetic ketoacidosis. Respiratory changes in DKA are more likely to involve rapid and deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

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