A patient is experiencing nausea and decreased appetite during drug therapy with a tetracycline antibiotic.
What is the nurse’s best advice to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen, produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use glucose for energy. Glucose is a sugar that comes, in large part, from foods we eat. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells in the body. Therefore, if a client with type 1 diabetes refuses breakfast and requests to sleep, it could lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or seizures. It is a medical emergency and should be reported immediately.

Choice B rationale:

Trimming a toenail may seem like a simple task, but for a person with diabetes, it can lead to serious complications. Diabetes can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness in the feet, making it difficult for a person to feel a cut, blister, or sore. These injuries can become infected and lead to serious complications, such as the need for amputation. However, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia and does not need to be reported immediately.

Choice C rationale:

Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for individuals with diabetes. However, it can also be a result of less serious causes such as certain medications, foods, or simply not drinking enough fluids. While it’s important for the AP to encourage the client to drink more fluids, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness when standing, also known as orthostatic hypotension, can be a side effect of some medications used to treat diabetes. It can also be a symptom of dehydration or other conditions. While it’s important for the AP to monitor the client’s symptoms and report any changes, this situation is not as immediately life-threatening as hypoglycemia

Choice A rationale:

Shaking the insulin vial vigorously is not recommended. It can lead to the formation of bubbles, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. Instead, insulin vials should be gently rolled between the hands to mix.

Choice B rationale:

Injecting insulin into the abdominal area is indeed a recommended practice. The abdomen is a preferred site for insulin injection because it has a faster absorption rate compared to other areas. This can help to more effectively regulate blood glucose levels.

Choice C rationale:

Exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels, so insulin doses may need to be reduced to prevent hypoglycemia. Clients should monitor their blood glucose closely and adjust insulin as directed by their healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale:

Freezing unopened insulin vials is not advised. Freezing can disrupt the insulin structure, rendering it ineffective. Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.