A child with epilepsy has been seizure free for 2 years. A father asks the nurse how much longer the child will need to take the anti-seizure medications. The nurse includes which of the following in the response?

A. Maintain a saline-lock:

Maintaining a saline lock is important for potential intravenous access, but it is not the most urgent priority compared to actions that directly monitor the child's condition and help manage the disease.

B. Check the child's daily weight:

Monitoring daily weight is crucial in acute glomerulonephritis, as it helps assess fluid balance and detect early signs of fluid retention or worsening kidney function, which are key concerns in this condition. This makes it a priority action.

C. Place the child on a no-salt-added diet:

While dietary modifications can be important for managing various health conditions, including kidney issues, this is not the top priority in this situation. Reducing salt intake can help manage fluid retention, but it is not the nurse's priority action at this moment.

D. Educate the parents about potential complications:

Patient education is crucial, especially in chronic conditions, but in this acute care scenario, the nurse's immediate priority is to address the child's needs. Educating parents about potential complications should be done, but it's not the most immediate action.

A) "I can store unopened bottles of insulin in the freezer."

This statement is incorrect. Insulin should not be stored in the freezer. Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, and the currently used vial can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days to avoid the discomfort of injecting cold insulin.

B) "I should not take my regular insulin when I am sick."

This statement is incorrect. When a person with type 1 diabetes is sick, it's important to continue taking insulin. In fact, during illness, blood sugar levels can become more difficult to manage, and insulin may be needed in adjusted doses. Skipping insulin during sickness can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and potentially worsen the illness.

C) "My morning blood glucose should be between 90 and 130."

This statement is a good range to aim for in terms of fasting blood glucose levels, but it's not an indication of understanding the teaching about diabetes management as a whole. While this knowledge is important, the statement about eating a snack before playing soccer directly reflects understanding of how to manage blood sugar during physical activity.

"D) I should eat a snack half an hour before playing soccer."

Explanation:

Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes, especially when engaging in physical activities like playing soccer. Eating a snack before playing helps prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during exercise. Physical activity can cause the body to use up glucose faster, potentially leading to low blood sugar levels, and having a snack before exercise can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.