The nurse on a pediatric unit observes a distraught mother in the hallway scolding her 3-year-old son for wetting his pants. What initial action should the nurse take?

Choice B reason: Arranging diet schedule around three regular meals a day is not a sufficient point for disease and symptom management for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Eating three regular meals a day may not be enough to control blood glucose levels and prevent complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. The nurse should teach the client to follow a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day.

Choice C reason: Using garlic, herbs, and spices will improve the flavor of food is not a specific point for disease and symptom management for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Garlic, herbs, and spices are natural ingredients that can enhance the taste and aroma of food, but they do not have a direct impact on blood glucose levels or diabetes complications. The nurse should teach the client to limit the intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats, and to choose foods that are low in glycemic index and high in antioxidants.

Choice D reason: Inspecting feet every month for ingrown nails, cuts, and calluses is not a frequent enough point for disease and symptom management for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the feet, leading to reduced sensation, poor circulation, infection, ulceration, and amputation. The nurse should teach the client to inspect feet every day for any signs of injury or infection, and to wash, dry, moisturize, and protect them properly. The nurse should also advise the client to wear comfortable shoes and socks, avoid walking barefoot, and seek medical attention for any foot problems.

Choice A: Taking metformin with the morning and evening meal is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can improve the absorption and effectiveness of metformin and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, this is a correct choice.

Choice B: Using sliding scale insulin for frequent blood glucose elevations is not a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this is not recommended for clients with type 2 DM who are taking metformin. This can cause hypoglycemia and complicate the management of blood glucose levels. This is an incorrect choice.

Choice C: Recognizing signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can help the client identify and treat low blood glucose levels, which can occur with metformin use or other factors such as exercise, fasting, or alcohol intake. Therefore, this is another correct choice.

Choice D: Reporting persistent polyuria to the health care provider is a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can indicate poor glycemic control or a complication of DM such as diabetic ketoacidosis or nephropathy. Therefore, this is another correct choice.

Choice E: Taking an additional dose for signs of hyperglycemia is not a correct statement for the nurse to include, as this can cause overdose or toxicity of metformin, which can lead to lactic acidosis and renal failure. This is another incorrect choice.