The nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patient about insulin administration and glucose monitoring, which statements will be included in the teaching plan? (select all that apply)
Explanation & Rationale
A. All complementary and alternative therapies are safe to use along with insulin.: Not all complementary or alternative therapies are safe for patients taking insulin. Some may affect blood glucose levels or interact with insulin, potentially causing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Patients should always discuss any supplements with their healthcare provider. B. Wash your hands prior to insulin administration.: Proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of infection at the injection site and prevents contamination of the insulin vial or syringe. This is a key safety practice in self-administration of insulin. C. Unopened insulin vials should be stored in the refrigerator.: Storing unopened insulin in the refrigerator preserves its potency until the expiration date. Exposure to heat or direct sunlight can degrade the insulin, reducing its effectiveness. D. With diet and exercise you may be able to stop taking insulin.: Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy because the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Diet and exercise alone cannot replace the need for insulin. Stopping insulin could lead to life-threatening hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. E. You will need to monitor your glucose more often when you are ill.: Illness can cause stress-induced hyperglycemia and unpredictable blood glucose fluctuations. Frequent monitoring allows timely adjustment of insulin and prevention of complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.