Patient Intake
Why should you ask a diabetic patient what types of food their daily meals contain?
Foods that are high in carbohydrates and eating little/skipping meals can alter blood glucose/sugar levels.
Clouding of the eye lens seen in diabetics that leads to decreased/disrupted vision.
Cataracts
While assessing a diabetic, the nurse notices the patient’s lips are dry and cracked. What is this a sign of?
Dehydration
How would you treat hypotension in a dehydrated diabetic patient?
Administer IV fluids and correct electrolyte imbalances
When a patient is prescribed insulin for the first time, what should the nurse educate them on?
Dosage, injection sites, and proper use and disposal of needles.
What questions should you ask a patient during intake regarding their medication?
Do you take insulin? What other medications are you taking? Do you ever miss doses or take extra doses by mistake? Do you have any trouble getting access to your insulin and medications (finances, sedentary lifestyle, etc.)?
Obstruction of arteries in the legs can result in ulcers on the feet and legs that heal slowly. What can these factors lead to in the legs/feet?
Infections, gangrene/necrosis, and amputations
While assessing the eyes of a diabetic patient, the nurse finds weakened and damaged blood vessels. The nurse asks the patient if they have any disturbances in their vision. The patient responds, “I have floaters and everything is blurry.” What does this indicate?
Diabetic retinopathy
If a patient’s blood glucose is not regulated after an insulin injection, what should the patient/medical providers do?
Adjust the dosage of insulin
What should the nurse educate a patient on regarding the legs and feet?
Proper fitting shoes, compression socks, inspecting the legs and feet for redness, sores, bruises, and lesions.
During intake, what should you ask a diabetic patient regarding their urine?
How often do you pee? How much are you peeing? What is the color of your urine (is it cloudy/dark)?
Neuropathy complications in diabetes can include impaired sensation, numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle wasting. What do these complications lead to in terms of patient mobility and ADLs?
Patient mobility/independence is decreased, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and inability to complete ADLs.
Common symptom of diabetic patients that makes them feel constantly thirsty, no matter how much they drink.
Polydipsia
If a patient’s blood glucose is not regulated after an insulin injection, what should the patient/medical providers do?
Adjust the dosage of insulin
A diabetic patient reports they smoke a pack of cigarettes a day. What should you educate the patient on?
Stop smoking, as it causes decreased circulation, heart, and lung function
What should you ask a diabetic patient regarding their eyesight?
Have you ever been diagnosed with glaucoma, cataracts, or decreased/loss of vision? Do you experienced any vision loss, floaters, or blurriness?
A sedentary lifestyle in diabetics due to neuropathic complications can lead to what complications of the skin?
Candida in body folds, bed sores, and an increase in bacteria on the skin that can cause a secondary infection.
Symptom often felt in the feet and hands that’s caused by nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar.
Diabetic neuropathy – numbness, tingling, burning
How should you treat dehydration that occurs in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
IV fluid and electrolyte replacement
Why is it important to educate alcohol consumption to diabetic patients?
Alcohol can affect blood glucose levels, exacerbating symptoms and affects the usage/benefits of insulin
When did you first notice changes? Have you addressed this with another medical provider before today? Are you currently taking any antibiotics or other medications for the wound?
What are some important questions to ask a diabetic with necrosis in the foot?
Microangiopathy is a complication seen in diabetes (advanced atherosclerosis). The narrowing/obstruction of arteries due to atherosclerosis and microangiopathy can result in?
Occlusions, heart attacks, and ischemia
What is a key indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) regarding a patient's breath?
Patient has acetone breath (sweet fruity odor).
A diabetic patient has bilateral 4+ edema in the lower extremities. What labs should you monitor/treat in the patient?
Albumin, blood glucose, and electrolytes
What should you educate a pregnant diabetic patient about regarding the development/birth of their baby?
The newborn’s growth is usually larger than average at birth. The newborn is also predisposed to complications.