A nurse manager is reviewing clients' rights with the nurses on the unit. The nurse manager should tell the nurses that informed consent promotes which of the following ethical principles?

The client is at risk for experiencing electrolyte imbalance due to the vomiting. Persistent vomiting during pregnancy, especially with significant weight loss, can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia, hyponatremia, or metabolic alkalosis. This can result from the body's inability to retain essential minerals and fluids. The client’s reported diet of minimal food intake, primarily consisting of toast and pretzels, indicates inadequate nutrition and potential for further exacerbation of these imbalances.

The significant weight loss of 6.8 kg (15 lb) within a month and continuous nausea and vomiting are concerning symptoms that warrant immediate medical evaluation. The nurse’s advice to seek a provider’s assessment underscores the need for timely intervention to address potential complications, ensure maternal and fetal health, and possibly prescribe antiemetic medications or other treatments to manage symptoms.

A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.