A college student is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She now has a headache, changes in her vision, and is anxious, but does not have her portable blood glucose monitor with her. Which action should the campus nurse advise her to take?

Choice A reason: Weight loss is a common clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps the cells use glucose for energy. Without insulin, the glucose stays in the blood and causes high blood sugar levels. The body then breaks down fat and muscle for energy, resulting in weight loss.

Choice B reason: Low urine output is not a typical clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. In fact, the opposite is true: high urine output is a sign of type 1 diabetes mellitus. This is because the excess glucose in the blood draws water from the cells and tissues, causing dehydration and increased thirst. The kidneys then try to flush out the glucose and water through urine, leading to frequent urination.

Choice C reason: Weight gain is not a usual clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. As explained in choice A, type 1 diabetes mellitus causes weight loss due to the lack of insulin and the breakdown of fat and muscle. Weight gain can be a sign of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is a condition where the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. Weight gain can also be a side effect of insulin therapy, which is used to treat both types of diabetes mellitus.

Choice D reason: Hand tremors are not a specific clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. Hand tremors can be caused by many factors, such as anxiety, stress, caffeine, medication, or neurological disorders. Hand tremors can also be a symptom of hypoglycemia, which is a condition of low blood sugar that can occur in people with diabetes mellitus. However, hypoglycemia is not exclusive to diabetes mellitus, and can affect anyone who has a low intake of food, a high expenditure of energy, or a high dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.

Choice A reason: Administration of an anti-diarrheal is not the appropriate management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Anti-diarrheals are not recommended for children under 5 years, as they can have serious side effects, such as paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon, and worsening of dehydration. Anti-diarrheals do not address the underlying cause of diarrhea, and may prolong the duration of infection or toxin exposure.

Choice B reason: Clear liquids, 1 to 2 ounces at a time, are not sufficient to treat an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Clear liquids, such as water, tea, or broth, do not contain enough electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, to replace the losses from diarrhea and vomiting. Clear liquids may also dilute the blood sodium level and cause hyponatremia, a condition of low sodium in the blood, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Choice C reason: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the best management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. ORS is a specially formulated solution that contains water, glucose, and electrolytes in the right proportions to replenish the fluid and electrolyte losses from diarrhea and vomiting. ORS can prevent or treat dehydration, and reduce the need for intravenous fluids. ORS can be given by mouth, spoon, cup, or syringe, depending on the child's ability to drink. The amount of ORS to give depends on the degree of dehydration and the weight of the child. The nurse should follow the guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the local health authority for the appropriate dosage and frequency of ORS administration¹.

Choice D reason: Intravenous fluids are not the first-line management for an 18-month-old with severe dehydration and weight loss secondary to acute diarrhea and vomiting. Intravenous fluids are only indicated for children who have severe dehydration and are unable to drink or tolerate ORS, or who have signs of shock, such as weak pulse, cold extremities, or altered consciousness. Intravenous fluids require hospitalization, skilled personnel, and sterile equipment, and carry the risk of infection, overhydration, or electrolyte imbalance. Intravenous fluids should be given according to the WHO or the local health authority guidelines, and should be switched to ORS as soon as the child is able to drink¹.