(Select all that apply): A nurse is discussing dietary management with a child and their family.
Which dietary principles should the nurse recommend for glycemic control in children with diabetes?

Choice A rationale:

Teaching parents how to monitor the child's blood glucose levels at home is essential in the discharge plan for a child with DKA.

It empowers parents to manage their child's condition and ensure that blood glucose levels are within a safe range.

Home monitoring is crucial for preventing recurrence and managing diabetes effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing parents on how to give the child insulin injections is another critical aspect of the discharge plan.

Children with DKA often require insulin therapy to manage their blood glucose levels.

Proper administration of insulin is essential to prevent hyperglycemia and DKA recurrence.

Choice C rationale:

Educating parents on what to do if the child develops symptoms of DKA, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, is important.

Recognizing the early signs of DKA and seeking medical attention promptly is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.

Teaching parents to be vigilant for these symptoms can help prevent DKA recurrence.

Choice D rationale:

Preventing the child from developing DKA again in the future is a crucial part of the discharge plan.

While this is a broad goal, it can encompass education on various aspects, such as the importance of insulin compliance, regular medical check-ups, and diabetes management strategies.

Preventing recurrence is a primary objective of DKA management.

Choice E rationale:

Providing information on how to contact the child's healthcare provider if parents have any questions or concerns is essential.

Open communication with healthcare providers is vital for ongoing support, guidance, and adjustments to the child's diabetes management plan.

Blood glucose levels.

B. Electrolyte levels.

C. Respiratory rate.

E. Skin color.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of DKA, and effective insulin therapy is necessary to lower blood glucose levels to normal or near-normal ranges.

Frequent blood glucose monitoring helps adjust insulin infusion rates, preventing both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Electrolyte levels, including potassium, sodium, and chloride, should be closely monitored in a child with DKA.

DKA can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia and hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening.

Monitoring electrolytes ensures that appropriate replacements are administered to correct these imbalances.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory rate monitoring is vital to detect signs of impending respiratory distress in a child with DKA.

As DKA progresses, metabolic acidosis can result in Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and rapid.

Monitoring respiratory rate can help identify respiratory distress early and prompt timely intervention.

Choice E rationale:

Monitoring skin color is important to assess perfusion and oxygenation.

In severe cases of DKA, there may be impaired tissue perfusion, resulting in pallor or cyanosis.

Skin color changes can be an early indicator of circulatory compromise, and prompt action can help prevent complications associated with inadequate tissue perfusion.

Choice D rationale:

Cardiac output is not typically monitored as a routine measure in managing DKA.

While DKA can affect cardiac function indirectly by causing electrolyte imbalances, monitoring cardiac output is not a direct preventive measure for DKA complications.

Instead, the focus should be on correcting the underlying metabolic and electrolyte imbalances.