A nurse is teaching a patient about managing diabetes. Which of the following actions would the nurse emphasize as most important in preventing complications from diabetes?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly allows for timely adjustments in treatment. 2. It helps in preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia complications. 3. Enables the patient to understand how their lifestyle choices impact their blood sugar levels. 4. Empowers the patient to make informed decisions regarding their diabetes management. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Limiting physical activity can lead to complications like obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. C: Diet should focus on balanced nutrition, not just low-fat or high-protein, to manage diabetes effectively. D: Taking insulin regardless of blood sugar levels can result in hypoglycemia or poor blood sugar control.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because stopping medication once blood pressure returns to normal can lead to a relapse of hypertension. Step 1: Educate the patient that hypertension is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. Step 2: Explain the importance of continuing medication even when blood pressure is controlled. Step 3: Emphasize the risks of stopping medication abruptly. Other choices are incorrect because they promote positive behaviors for hypertension management: A: Monitoring blood pressure is essential. B: Taking medication consistently is crucial. C: Avoiding high-sodium foods helps control blood pressure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because monitoring vital signs and fluid status is crucial in managing chronic heart failure. This intervention helps in assessing the patient's condition, detecting any signs of deterioration, and ensuring appropriate fluid balance. Administering diuretics (A) may be necessary but should be based on the patient's fluid status. Encouraging rest (B) is important, but monitoring vital signs takes precedence. Teaching about dietary changes (D) is essential, but ensuring the patient's immediate stability through monitoring is the priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete potassium, leading to elevated levels in the blood. This can result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring for hyperkalemia is crucial in managing patients with kidney disease. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Hypoglycemia is not typically associated with chronic kidney disease. C: Hypotension may occur in kidney disease but is not directly related to decreased renal function. D: Hypercalcemia is not a common complication of decreased renal function; in fact, kidney disease can lead to low levels of calcium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidney function tests. In diabetic nephropathy, the kidneys are affected, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring kidney function tests such as serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate is crucial to assess the progression of the disease and guide treatment. Blood pressure measurement (B) is important in managing diabetic nephropathy but does not directly assess kidney function. Blood glucose levels (C) are essential in managing diabetes overall but do not specifically address nephropathy. Urine output monitoring (D) is important for assessing kidney function but does not provide as comprehensive information as kidney function tests.