Please respond to each post with a question if possibly the end of your response. also one reference for each post
Post 1 Tonya
In regards to diabetic patient education, it is very important that patients know the signs of symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. What are some common s/s the nurse should educate the patient about?
Post 2 Tiffani
Moving forward, I think it’s important to reeducate the patient on the signs and symptoms they are experiencing hypoglycemia so that hospitalization isn’t the first option. Teaching the client measures to take in response to manifestations of hypoglycemia will help manage complications at home and potentially prevent it from occurring more often. I would educate the patient on the signs of hypoglycemia: mild shakiness, mental confusion, sweating, palpitations, headache, lack of coordination, blurred vision, seizures, and coma. She should understand the difference when glucose is declining slowly, that manifestations will relate to the central nervous system and result in headaches, confusion, fatigue, or drowsiness. The patient should be reminded of what to do to avoid hypoglycemia. Avoiding excess insulin, exercise, and alcohol consumption on an empty stomach, and eating about the same amounts and at the same time periods daily can help keep blood sugar levels in good range. (ATI, 2023)
Post 3 Dina
Diabetes education to the patient is paramount in helping the patient better manage their diabetes. Nutrition and a healthy diet are necessary to maintain optimal health. Carbohydrates are the only food group that converts to sugar, or glucose, in your body, increasing blood sugar, and should therefore be monitored closely (Chester, et al., 2018). Some examples are pasta, soft drinks, juices, bread, rice, and potatoes. Making changes can help maintain lower blood sugars and help lose weight. Providing a list of appropriate foods to choose from could help the patient and encourage the patient to keep a food log. Keep a blood sugar log and try to check your blood sugars with a glucose monitor before meals and at bedtime. If you’re instructed to take insulin this step is necessary to know how much insulin you should inject before your meals. One of the main goals of diabetes maintenance is to exercise regularly, such as walking for 20–30 minutes at least 3–4 days a week (Chester, et al., 2018). “Insulin sensitivity is increased during exercise, so muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity. When muscles contract during activity, the cells can convert glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not. These benefits, plus the effects of the possible weight loss, can assist in normalizing blood sugars” (Chester, et al., 2018).
