The nurse cares for a client with type I diabetes mellitus. Which action, by the nurse, best assesses the chronic complication of autonomic neuropathy?

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Diabetic neuropathy is caused by nerve damage as a result of the metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes mellitus. Autonomic neuropathy is nerve damage to the autonomic nervous system, the system responsible for involuntary body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration, sexual function, and digestion. Impairment to the autonomic nervous system caused by neuropathy can cause symptoms such as postural hypotension, tachycardia, painless myocardial infarction, bowel incontinence, diarrhea, urinary retention, and hypoglycemic unawareness. The client with postural hypotension is also at risk for falls and should be taught to get up from a lying or sitting position slowly. (Options A, B & C) Sensory or peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system and may cause problems with the extremities. Educational objective: Impairment to the autonomic nervous system caused by neuropathy can cause symptoms such as postural hypotension and put the client at risk for falls.

The Nurse Cares for a Client with Type I Diabetes