Diabetes Mellitus Nursing Care Worksheet

The nurse is assessing a client with suspected diabetes mellitus. Which clinical manifestations are consistent with the disease? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

• Thirst

• Anorexia

• Dysuria

• Bradycardia

The nurse is explaining glycosylated hemoglobin assay test to a client with diabetes. Which statements accurately describe HbA1c? Select all that apply.

• HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (bound to glucose).

• HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.

• HbA1c is affected by recent meals and daily glucose fluctuations.

• An HbA1c ≥6.5% is used to diagnose diabetes.

A nurse is educating a client with an HbA1c of 8.5%. Which long-term complications should the nurse include in teaching? Select all that apply.

• Hyperthyroidism

• Neuropathy

• Retinopathy

• Nephropathy

• Cardiovascular disease

The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about proper foot care. Which instructions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

• Inspect feet daily for cuts, blisters, or redness

• Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, then dry thoroughly

• Soak feet in hot water to relieve discomfort

• Apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of feet, avoiding between toes

• Wear well-fitting shoes and clean socks daily

A nurse is teaching a client with prediabetes about foot care. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding of why daily foot checks are important?

• I should check my feet to assess for severity of my diabetes

• Daily checks help avoid infection

• I only need to check my feet if my glyclose is not controlled

• I am at risk for injury due to neuropathy

• Daily checks help assess circulation in my feet

A nurse is reviewing a client’s lab results. The client’s fasting blood glucose is 112 mg/dL, and the HbA1c is 5.9%. How should the nurse interpret these results?

• The client has normal blood sugar.

• The client has prediabetes and is at risk for type 2 diabetes.

• The client has type 2 diabetes and requires insulin therapy.

• The client’s blood sugar is dangerously high and needs hospitalization.

The nurse teaches a client with diabetes how to exercise safely. Which patient teaching should be included?

• Carry a source of fast-acting glucose (e.g., glucose tablets or juice).

• Wear well-fitting shoes and cotton socks.

• Exercise even if ketones are present.

• exercise first thing in the morning on empty stomach

A nurse is caring for a client whose fasting blood glucose is 110 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.9%. The client asks, “Since I don’t have diabetes yet, when should I start making changes to my lifestyle?” Which is the nurse’s best response?

• You can wait until your blood sugar is higher before making changes.

• You should begin lifestyle changes now to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.

• You will need to start insulin to control your blood sugar.

• No changes are needed; these results are normal.

A nurse is teaching a client newly prescribed insulin how to administer injections. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?

• I should shake the insulin vial vigorously before drawing it up.

• I will rotate injection sites within the same body area to prevent lipodystrophy.

• I will inject at 45 degree angle to prevent lipodystrophy.

• I should massage the injection site after giving the insulin to help it absorb faster.

The nurse is observing a client perform a return demonstration of mixing NPH and regular insulin. Which steps, if performed by the client, indicate correct technique? Select all that apply

• Injecting air into the NPH vial first without withdrawing insulin

• Injecting air into the regular insulin vial second without withdrawing insulin

• Withdrawing the NPH insulin before the regular insulin

• Withdrawing the regular (clear) insulin before the NPH (cloudy) insulin

• Rolling the NPH vial gently between the hands before use