A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is on intensive insulin therapy. The client is of the Islamic faith and insists on fasting during Ramadan. What is the most important nursing action?

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Diabetic clients whose religious practices require them to change their current diet (eg, fasting) and glycemic management regimen should be assessed for clinical stability (eg, comorbidities) and glycemic control, including: History of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis Dosage and timing of medications Knowledge of meal planning Ability to perform blood glucose monitoring during the fast Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Observance of Ramadan and daytime fasting occurs throughout the ninth month of the lunar calendar. During this time, Muslim clients are required to refrain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Clients who are sick, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are exempt from fasting; however, some clients who fall into these categories may insist on fasting, creating challenges for their health care team. (Option A) Clients with diabetes who are at lower risk for adverse events while fasting based on risk assessment need to receive instruction on adjusting their meal planning, physical exercise, and insulin therapy. Those at high risk for complications should be discouraged from fasting. (Options C and D) These are appropriate nursing actions after the client has been assessed for risk of diabetic complications from fasting. Educational objective: Clients with diabetes who insist on fasting for religious reasons need to be assessed for risk of adverse events. Key assessment areas include clinical stability and glycemic control (eg, history of hyper-/hypoglycemic episodes, medication regimen, and the ability to self-monitor blood glucose during the fast).

A Client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Is on Intensive