The nurse is providing education to a school-aged child recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Which item will the nurse include in the teaching plan regarding sick day management?

A. Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap, is a benign inflammatory condition affecting the scalp of infants. It is caused by overactive sebaceous glands and possibly Malassezia yeast, not by bacteria or a systemic infection. The presence of crusty or scaly patches does not indicate the infant is ill or infected systemically.

B. Gentle washing is an important part of managing cradle cap. Shampooing with a mild, non-irritating baby shampoo helps to loosen scales and remove debris, preventing thick crust formation. Avoiding washing can allow flakes to accumulate and worsen the appearance, and does not improve the condition.

C. Cradle cap is not contagious, so there is no need for isolation. The condition does not pose a risk to family members, peers, or caregivers. Reassuring parents about this helps reduce unnecessary anxiety.

D. Applying petrolatum, mineral oil, or other emollients softens the thick, scaly patches, making it easier to gently brush or comb them away. This intervention helps reduce crusting and improves the appearance of the scalp. Following with gentle shampooing ensures scales are removed safely without irritating the infant’s skin. This approach is considered first-line, non-pharmacologic management for mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis in infants and can often resolve the condition without medical treatment.

A. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), serum potassium is often elevated initially due to the shift of potassium from inside the cells to the bloodstream caused by insulin deficiency and acidosis. However, once insulin therapy is started, potassium shifts back into the cells, which can rapidly cause hypokalemia if not carefully monitored. Therefore, frequent monitoring and appropriate potassium replacement are critical during DKA management to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and other complications.

B. Calcium levels are not directly affected by insulin therapy in DKA. While acid-base changes can influence ionized calcium, calcium does not typically exhibit the same rapid intracellular shift seen with potassium during insulin administration.

C. Magnesium levels may fluctuate in DKA due to osmotic diuresis and electrolyte losses, but it is not the primary electrolyte that shifts intracellularly in response to insulin therapy. Monitoring is important but less immediately critical than potassium.

D. Bicarbonate is low in DKA due to metabolic acidosis from ketone accumulation. It does not shift into cells with insulin; instead, bicarbonate levels gradually normalize as ketoacidosis resolves and pH improves. Bicarbonate therapy is rarely indicated unless severe acidosis is present.