A nurse is admitting a client to the psychiatric unit after attempting suicide. The client states, "My family does not care whether I live or die."

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

- 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.

- A. This choice is incorrect because the body temperature does not drop 1 degree 1 week after ovulation. The body temperature rises slightly (about 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit) after ovulation and remains elevated until the next menstrual period.

- B. This choice is incorrect because the body temperature should be taken each morning before getting out of bed or doing any activity. Taking the temperature in the evening can result in inaccurate readings due to variations in daily activities, meals, stress, exercise, etc.

- C. This choice is correct because the body temperature might decrease slightly (about 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit) just prior to ovulation due to a surge in estrogen levels. This dip in temperature can indicate that ovulation is about to occur and that the client should avoid unprotected intercourse if she wants to prevent pregnancy.

- D. This choice is incorrect because the body temperature is not at its highest during menstruation. The body temperature drops at the onset of menstruation due to a decline in progesterone levels and marks the beginning of a new cycle.