Question

A home health nurse is at the home of a client with diabetes and arthritis. The client has difficulty drawing up insulin. It would be most appropriate for the nurse to refer the client to

A) A social worker from the local hospital
B) An occupational therapist from the community center
C) A physical therapist from the rehabilitation agency
D) Another client with diabetes mellitus and takes insulin

Answer 1

A home health nurse should refer a client with difficulty drawing up insulin due to diabetes and arthritis to a diabetes educator, who can provide specialized training and management strategies tailored to their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with diabetes and arthritis has difficulty drawing up insulin, it is most appropriate for a home health nurse to refer the client to a diabetes educator. Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who specialize in the comprehensive management of diabetes. They work collaboratively with patients to tailor educational programs that teach skills to manage diabetes effectively, paying close attention to difficulties such as those presented by arthritis. This may include teaching techniques for insulin administration that are manageable for those with limited dexterity.

Diabetes educators maintain their expertise by attending meetings and staying current with literature on diabetes management. They are knowledgeable about diabetes medications, nutrition, and blood glucose monitoring devices. Ultimately, the educator will assist the client in adopting a self-care routine that incorporates safe and effective insulin injection procedures despite the challenges of arthritis.

Insulin injections serve as a critical means to manage diabetes. They work in a negative feedback loop to help maintain blood glucose levels by signaling the body to reduce the production of glucose when high blood sugar is detected.