A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "My son might complain of feeling shaky when he has a low blood glucose level."

Explanation: Correct Choice. Shaking or feeling shaky is a common symptom of low blood glucose levels, also known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar drops too low, the body releases adrenaline, causing shaking or trembling. This response is indicative of an understanding of hypoglycemia symptoms.

B. "My son might have nausea and vomiting with hypoglycemia."

Explanation: Nausea and vomiting are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They are more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or other conditions. This statement is not accurate in the context of hypoglycemia.

C. "Sweating can occur with hyperglycemia."

Explanation: Sweating is more commonly associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) rather than hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body can respond with sweating as part of the adrenaline release. Sweating is not a typical symptom of hyperglycemia.

D. "The onset of low blood glucose usually occurs slowly."

Explanation: The onset of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) can vary. It can occur suddenly, especially if the individual takes too much insulin or diabetes medication, leading to a rapid drop in blood sugar. The correct understanding is that the onset of low blood glucose can be rapid and not always slow.

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.