The patient was instructed in diabetes mellitus ketoacidosis discussing blood sugar monitoring, when the test will take place, the technique, the necessary blood sugar range, how to read test results, what to do for abnormal results, the cleaning of equipment. The patient was taught when she or he is sick monitoring is increased to every 4 hours because illness or injury increases glucose demand. The patient was advised to maintain meticulous dental hygiene to prevent infection, wear shoes all the time to prevent foot injury. The patient was advised to monitor for vaginal infections. The patient was instructed the need to carry fast-acting sugar livesavers, sugar packets for treatment of hypoglycemia. The patient was advised to obtain appropriate items, equipment, and assistive devices for various diabetic needs, glucose monitor, medialert bracelet.
The patient was instructed in diabetes insipidus in how to measure and record intake and output, stressing that intake should equal output. The patient was taught to check the urine’s specific gravity. The patient was advised to avoid fluids that may have diuretic effects, coffee, tea, alcohol.
Instructed patient about the appropriate measures to prevent foot problems, such as: always wear properly fitted shoes and examine feet every day for sores and signs of infections. Check for blisters, cuts, sores and/or cracked skin. Check for pebbles, rough seams or anything else that might irritate your foot. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient on S/S of hypoglycemia such as: cold sweat, shaking, blurred vision, faintness, hunger, headache, confused thinking and impatience. Instructed patient that if these S/S occur to take fast acting sugar, such as orange juice with sugar or glucose tablets.
Patient is unable to performed insulin injection by herself due to low vision and hand tremors. No caregiver able/willing to do that procedure due to ALF's policies. Nurse will continue search a c/g able and willing to administer insulin to patient.
Sn instructed patient on diabetes management. Aim for your A1c level to be between 6-7%. For every 1% you decrease your A1c levels you decrease your risk of Diabetic complications. Physical activity helps to decrease blood sugar levels and monitor your food intake such as carbohydrates and fats. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient about the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist immediately if any of the S/S occur: blurred or double vision, narrowed field of vision, seeing dark spots, pressured feeling or pain in the eyes and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Instructed diabetic patient about the possible complications of kidney disease. Even though early kidney damage has no symptoms; there is a blood test called Microalbumin now available to detect early diabetic kidney damage while still reversible.
Instructed patient about possible causes of hypoglycemia such as too much insulin, not enough food, and overexertion or GI disturbance.
Instructed patient on possible causes of hyperglycemia such as too little insulin, too much or the wrong kind of food, infection, injury, illness, decreased activity.