The nurse is admitting a patient for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The nurse suspects that the patient could benefit from diabetic teaching. What actions by the nurse will assist in validating this suspicion?
A) Determine the patient's cognitive ability and potential language barriers.
B) Gather information about what the patient already knows about diabetes.
C) Have the patient demonstrate checking a blood glucose level.
D) Formulate the patient's plan of care using a standard protocol.
E) Prepare to teach the patient using materials written at a third-grade level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Data that would validate the nurse's suspicion that the patient needs further education include determining what the patient already knows about diabetes and having the patient demonstrate the technique of blood glucose monitoring. If the nurse is correct, further education is needed. Before further education can occur however; the nurse should determine if the patient has cognitive difficulties or a language barrier which would all contribute to an individualized plan of care. Reading material should typically be written at a fifth-grade level, but the nurse should not assume the patient needs third-grade level material.

The Nurse Is Admitting a Patient for Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus