The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old patient with diabetes mellitus who does not want to self-administer insulin because it is too painful. Which information should the nurse use in re-sponse to the patient's concern?

Question

a. Adolescents are usually enthusiastic about self-care.
b. Insulin mixed with a local anesthetic de-creases pain.
c. The healthcare provider orders oral insulin for patients with pain.
d. There are techniques that will minimize the pain of the injection, though not eliminate it.

Answer 1

D
Insulin injections are likely to cause mild pain but there are techniques that may be taught to the patient to minimize the pain. The pain will not be eliminated, and this information needs to be shared with the patient. Initially many adolescents are unenthusiastic participants in insulin self-administration. The nurse avoids mixing insulin with a local anesthetic because the benefit does not outweigh the risk. Oral insulin is not available.