A client with diabetes visits the clinic reporting breast tenderness, vaginal discharge, and urinary frequency. Which action is most important for the nurse to perform?

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11ecbb05_cbea_dcdc_b433_4de3d41b7f59_MD0009_00 Subjective (presumptive) signs of pregnancy are self-reported by a client. This client's symptoms could originate from pathologic causes (eg, urinary tract infection [UTI], sexually transmitted infection), but collectively these symptoms may be indicative of early pregnancy. Any client with possible signs/symptoms of early pregnancy should be asked about menstrual history (Option C). (Option A) Regular breast self-exams are an important part of breast self-awareness and may alert the client to early pathologic breast changes. However, breast tenderness is a common sign of early pregnancy, which should be ruled out first. (Option B) Leukorrhea (ie, whitish, mucoid vaginal discharge) increases during pregnancy in response to rising hormone levels. The client should be questioned about color, odor, and consistency of discharge to rule out infection, but this response from the nurse does not address the larger picture. (Option D) Increased urinary frequency may result from hyperglycemia, and clients with diabetes are at increased risk for infections (eg, UTI, yeast infection). Reviewing home blood sugar logs would help the nurse assess the client's level of glycemic control over time but would not address the complete picture of the client's acute symptoms. Educational objective: Subjective (self-reported) signs of pregnancy may include leukorrhea, breast tenderness, and urinary frequency. Any client with possible signs/symptoms of early pregnancy should be asked about menstrual history.

A Client with Diabetes Visits the Clinic Reporting Breast Tenderness