A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
The correct answer is Choice A.Choice A rationaleObtaining an influenza vaccine annually is crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of complications from infections, including influenza. The flu can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and potentially worsen diabetes control.Therefore, getting the flu vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu and its complications.Choice B rationaleAdministering glucagon is used for severe hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. It is typically used in emergency situations when a person with diabetes has very low blood sugar and is unable to consume sugar orally.Choice C rationaleInsulin should be injected into subcutaneous tissue, not the deltoid muscle. The preferred injection sites for insulin are areas with more subcutaneous fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Injecting insulin into muscle tissue can lead to faster absorption and unpredictable blood glucose levels.Choice D rationaleGlyburide is an oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy because the body does not produce insulin. Glyburide works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which is not effective for individuals with type 1 diabetes who have little to no insulin production.