A diabetic patient presents to the diabetes clinic with A1c levels of 7.5%. The nurse has met this patient for the first time

Question

When applying principles of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which teaching strategy by the nurse is most likely to be effective?
a. Provide information on the importance of blood glucose control in maintenance of long-term health and evaluate how the patient has been following the prescribed regime.
b. Establish a rapport with the patient by complimenting them on what they did correctly, and ask what strategies they have tried thus far.
c. Refer the patient to a certified diabetic educator, because the educator is an expert on management of diabetes complications.
d. Have the patient explain what medications they are on and what diet they should be following.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Principles of a TPB indicate that the patient will need to establish a good rapport with the nurse in order to talk about nonadherence. If the patient finds it difficult to discuss their diabetes self-management and adherence with the nurse, the patient may not open up to the nurse. Although a referral to an educator is a good idea, it would be better to use this resource as a follow-up for this visit. Having the patient verbalize medications and diet is not part of the TPB method.