The nurse is assessing a 55-yr-old female patient with type 2 diabetes who has a body mass index (BMI) of 31 kg/m2.Which goal in the plan of care is most important for this patient?
The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day.
The patient will reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
The patient will follow a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.
The Correct Answer is B
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a measure of the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. An HbA1c level of less than 7% is associated with a reduced risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes. This is a critical goal because uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease.
While options a, c, and d are also important in the management of diabetes, they are not as critical as achieving glycemic control. Choosing a diet that distributes calories throughout the day can help regulate blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycemia. Following a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss can also help improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications. Understanding the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet is important for overall diabetes education, but it is not the most important goal in the plan of care for this patient at this time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The initial management of DKA involves fluid resuscitation with intravenous normal saline to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, starting an infusion of normal saline at 125 ml/hr is the first prescribed action the nurse should implement.
Bringing the patient a meal is not a priority at this time because the patient's blood glucose levels need to be stabilized before they can safely consume food. Administering Lantus insulin IV and giving sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push are also not the first-line treatments for DKA. Lantus insulin is a long-acting insulin used to treat hyperglycemia over an extended period and should not be given intravenously. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, but it is not the first priority in DKA management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct action for the nurse to take first when preparing to teach a newly diagnosed 43-year-old man with type 2 diabetes home management of the disease is to assess the patient's perception of what it means to have diabetes. This will help the nurse to identify any misconceptions or fears the patient may have about the condition, and tailor the education to meet the patient's specific needs. Options A, C, and D are important components of diabetes education but can be addressed after the nurse has assessed the patient's perception of the disease.
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