A patient has been recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient states, "I am thin and eat all the time. How can I have diabetes?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
1. "Thin people can be diabetic, too.".
2. "Your condition makes it impossible for you to gain weight.".
3. "People with type 1 diabetes are usually thin or of normal weight at diagnosis.".
4. "Your lab tests indicate the presence of diabetes.".
3
Rationale 1: Although this statement is correct, it does not answer the patient's question.
Rationale 2: It is not impossible for diabetics to gain weight.
Rationale 3: The diabetic patient is unable to obtain the needed glucose for the body's cells, due to the lack of insulin. Patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus experience polyphagia and are often thin.
Rationale 4: Although the laboratory tests might indicate the presence of diabetes, this response does not meet the patient's need for teaching.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following statements best describes a weakness of early nursing theories?
a. Many nurses did not know or understand the theoretical basis of nursing practice. b. Most nursing theories focused on microscopic individual concerns. c. The theories did not reflect the actual world of nursing practice. d. The theories had global applicability to nursing practice.
Which is the most powerful factor in encouraging adoption of the attitudes and behaviors that characterize professionalism in nursing?
A) Employment opportunities B) Licensure requirements C) Interaction with peers D) Specialized training
A young nurse believes passionately that clients should have access to the health care system when needed. After completing the course of study, the nurse plans to relocate from New England to a Southwestern state because:
1. Salaries for nurses are higher in the Southwest than elsewhere in the U.S. 2. More older adults live in the Southwest than elsewhere in the U.S. 3. The need for services is greater in the Southwest than elsewhere in the U.S. due to a higher population. 4. New England clients have fewer health care needs than those living elsewhere in the U.S.
As death approaches, a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) says, "I don't want to see a lot of visitors anymore. Just my parents and my sibling can come in for a while each day." What action should the nurse take?
a. Ask the patient to reconsider the decision because many interested and caring friends can be sources of support. b. Discuss the request with the parents and sibling. Suggest that they explain the patient's decision to friends. c. Suggest that the patient discuss these wishes with the health care provider. d. Place a "no visitors" sign on the patient's door.