A patient who has diabetes mellitus says to the nurse, "I've had difficulty swallowing and have felt nauseous for months. I have been taking milk of magnesia every day for constipation, too." The nurse should recognize these statements as likely being indicative of which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difficulty swallowing and nausea are symptoms that can be attributed to autonomic neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves that control functions like digestion. The milk of magnesia use suggests possible constipation, which can also be a symptom of autonomic neuropathy. The other conditions listed (aging process, retinopathy, and nephropathy) do not typically present with these symptoms.

A Patient Who Has Diabetes Mellitus Says to the Nurse