A 12-year-old girl is newly diagnosed with diabetes when she ...

[skymedlock]

A 12-year-old girl is newly diagnosed with diabetes when she develops ketoacidosis. How should the nurse structure a successful education program?
 
  a. Essential information is presented initially.
  b. Teaching should take place in the child's semiprivate room.
  c. Education is focused toward the parents because the child is too young.
  d. All information needed for self-management of diabetes is taught at once.

Question 2

What clinical manifestation occurs with hypoglycemia?
 
  a. Lethargy
  b. Confusion
  c. Nausea and vomiting
  d. Weakness and dizziness

[kilada]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be traumatic for the child and family. Most families are not psychologically ready for the complex teaching that is needed for self-management. Most structured diabetes education programs begin with essential or survival information followed by the complex background material when the family is better able to learn. Teaching can take place either as an outpatient or as an inpatient. The actual teaching area should be free from distractions that would interfere with learning. A semiprivate room would have many individuals entering and leaving the room, causing distraction. A 12-year-old child who is cognitively age appropriate needs to be included in the educational process. Most children older than the age of 8 years can be involved in blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration. Teaching all information needed for self-management of diabetes at once would be too overwhelming for a family in crisis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Some of the clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia include weakness; dizziness; difficulty concentrating, speaking, focusing, and coordinating; sweating; and pallor. Lethargy, confusion, and nausea and vomiting are manifestations of hyperglycemia.