To monitor for complications in a patient with type 2 diabetes, ...

[Destiiny22]

To monitor for complications in a patient with type 2 diabetes, which tests will the nurse in the diabetic clinic schedule at least annually (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Chest x-ray
  b. Blood pressure
  c. Serum creatinine
  d. Urine for microalbuminuria
  e. Complete blood count (CBC)
  f. Monofilament testing of the foot

Question 2

Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are working in the diabetic clinic?
 
  a. Measure the ankle-brachial index.
  b. Check for changes in skin pigmentation.
  c. Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop.
  d. Ask the patient about symptoms of depression.

[bimper21]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, D, F
Blood pressure, serum creatinine, urine testing for microalbuminuria, and monofilament testing of the foot are recommended at least annually to screen for possible microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Chest x-ray and CBC might be ordered if the diabetic patient presents with symptoms of respiratory or infectious problems but are not routinely included in screening.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Checking systolic pressure at the ankle and brachial areas and calculating the ankle-brachial index is a procedure that can be done by UAP who have been trained in the procedure. The other assessments require more education and critical thinking and should be done by the registered nurse (RN).