The nurse is caring for an 11-year-old boy who has recently been ...

[swpotter12]

The nurse is caring for an 11-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. What should be included in the teaching plan for daily injections?
 
  a. The parents do not need to learn the procedure.
  b. He is old enough to give most of his own injections.
  c. Self-injections will be possible when he is closer to adolescence.
  d. He can learn about self-injections when he is able to reach all injection sites.

Question 2

A parent asks the nurse why self-monitoring of blood glucose is being recommended for her child with diabetes. The nurse should base the explanation on knowing that:
 
  a. It is a less expensive method of testing.
  b. It is not as accurate as laboratory testing.
  c. Children are better able to manage the diabetes.
  d. The parents are better able to manage the disease.

[lkanara2]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
School-age children are able to give their own injections. Parents should participate in learning and giving the insulin injections. He is already old enough to administer his own insulin. The child is able to use thighs, abdomen, part of the hip, and arm. Assistance can be obtained if other sites are used.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Blood glucose self-management has improved diabetes management and can be used successfully by children from the time of diagnosis. Insulin dosages can be adjusted based on blood sugar results. Blood glucose monitoring is more expensive but provides improved management. It is as accurate as equivalent testing done in laboratories. The ability to self-test allows the child to balance diet, exercise, and insulin. The parents are partners in the process, but the child should be taught how to manage the disease.