A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a child who has a fever and fluid-filled vesicles on the trunk and extremities. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?

A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.

B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.

C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.

D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting. This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.

A. Instructing the client about the importance of regular medical appointments is important but not the priority because it is a secondary prevention strategy that aims to detect and treat any complications or changes in the client's condition early. The client should have regular follow-up visits with an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a dentist, and other health care providers as needed.

B. Encouraging the client to participate in daily exercise is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to reduce disability and improve quality of life for clients with chronic conditions. Exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, enhance mood, and promote weight management for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client should consult with their health care provider before starting an exercise program and follow safety guidelines such as checking blood glucose levels before and after exercise, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, and staying hydrated.

C. Explaining proper foot care techniques to the client is important but not the priority because it is a tertiary prevention strategy that aims to prevent or minimize complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and amputations for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Foot care includes inspecting feet daily for any injuries or abnormalities, washing feet with mild soap and warm water, drying feet thoroughly especially between toes, applying moisturizer to prevent dryness and cracking, trimming toenails straight across and filing edges smooth, wearing clean cotton socks and well-fitting shoes, avoiding walking barefoot or exposing feet to extreme temperatures or pressure, and seeking medical attention for any foot problems.

D. Ensuring that the client understands the medication regimen is the nurse's priority because type 1 diabetes mellitus requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels within normal range and prevent complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and organ damage. The client needs to know how to administer insulin injections, monitor blood glucose levels, adjust insulin doses according to carbohydrate intake and physical activity, recognize and treat signs and symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and store insulin properly.