The client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus develops diabetic ketoacidosis after a religious fast. The client tells the nurse, "I have fasted during this season every year since I became an adult. I am not going to stop now."

Question

The nurse is not knowledgeable about this particular religion. What is the best action for this nurse?
1. Tell the client that it is different now because of the diabetes.
2. Do some research into the meaning of fasting in this religion.
3. Ask family members of the same religion to discuss fasting with the client.
4. Request a consult from a diabetes educator.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Telling the client that life is different now does not support religious beliefs.
Rationale 2: Research into the meaning of fasting in this religion would be educative for the nurse, but the client requires more immediate intervention.
Rationale 3: Asking the family to talk to the client might help, but the diabetes educator would be able to provide more direct and helpful information for the client.
Rationale 4: The diabetes educator should be contacted to work with the client on strategies that might allow the fasting to occur in a safe manner.