The nurse is planning a health promotion program for a group of clients. What action should the nurse plan to take first when implementing this health promotion plan?

A. How to properly dispose of insulin needles: Safe disposal is important for preventing injury and infection, but it does not address the immediate risk of recurrent hypoglycemia, which is a priority for client safety.

B. The importance of maintaining a healthy weight: Weight management is beneficial for overall health and long-term diabetes control, but it does not directly prevent acute hypoglycemic episodes, which are the client’s immediate concern.

C. How to monitor blood glucose levels at home: Blood glucose monitoring is essential to detect and prevent hypoglycemia. Teaching the client how to accurately check glucose levels allows timely interventions, reduces the risk of complications, and is critical for safe self-management.

D. How to properly administer insulin: Proper insulin administration is important, but without first knowing blood glucose trends and levels, the client cannot safely adjust or time insulin doses. Monitoring provides the foundation for safe insulin use.

A. Asking closed-ended questions to direct the conversation: Closed-ended questions limit responses and can restrict the flow of information. Active listening involves open-ended questions that encourage the client to share more detailed thoughts and feelings.

B. Focus on typing notes while the client is speaking: Diverting attention to note-taking can signal disinterest and reduce the nurse’s ability to interpret verbal and nonverbal cues. Active listening requires full attention to the client.

C. Provide advice before the client has finished speaking: Interrupting with advice prevents the nurse from fully understanding the client’s perspective. Active listening involves allowing the client to express themselves completely before responding or offering guidance.

D. Maintain eye contact and nod to indicate understanding: Nonverbal cues such as eye contact, nodding, and facial expressions demonstrate attentiveness and understanding. These behaviors encourage the client to communicate openly and confirm that the nurse is actively listening.