You are caring for a young client with diabetes who has sustained injuries when she tried to commit suicide by crashing her car. Her blood glucose level is 650 mg/dL, but she refuses insulin; however, she wants the pain medication. What is the best action?
a) Notify the charge nurse and obtain an order for a transfer to intensive care.
b) Explain that insulin is a priority and inform the health care provider.
c) Withhold the pain medication until she agrees to accept the insulin.
d) Give her the pain medication and document the refusal of the insulin.
Answer: b) Explain that insulin is a priority and inform the health care provider.
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