A patient who has diabetes complains of a tingling sensation in the face and is running a fever. Two hours later, the nurse notes dark drainage coming from the patient's nose. Which is the nurse's priority action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest a possible complication of diabetes called cranial nerve palsy, and the dark drainage may indicate a serious bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment. Therefore, the priority action is to notify the health care provider immediately to initiate appropriate interventions. Encouraging the patient to blow the nose or administering antipyretics will not address the underlying issue, and obtaining a blood glucose level may be important but is not the priority in this situation.

A Patient Who Has Diabetes Complains of a Tingling Sensation