Which of the following statements is true about diabetes mellitus?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 120/80 mm Hg is a normal blood pressure, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, having a normal blood pressure does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because total cholesterol 198 mg/dL is a borderline high cholesterol level, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can affect the metabolism of fats and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, having a borderline high cholesterol level does not confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because palpable peripheral pulses are a normal finding, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Peripheral pulses are the pulsations of the arteries that can be felt in the extremities, such as the wrists or ankles. Palpable peripheral pulses indicate that the blood flow to the extremities is adequate and not compromised by diabetes mellitus. However, having palpable peripheral pulses does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.

Choice D reason: This is correct because 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Age is one of the non-modifiable risk factors for diabetes mellitus, as the risk increases with advancing age. This is because aging can affect the insulin production and sensitivity, as well as the body composition and function. Older adults are more likely to have diabetes mellitus than younger adults, especially if they have other risk factors, such as obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the nurse should assess the patient's pain level and location, even if he denies pain. The patient's vital signs indicate that he may be experiencing pain, as increased heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure are common physiological responses to pain. Pain can also be masked by other factors, such as fear, anxiety, or stoicism. Therefore, the nurse should ask the patient about his comfort and use a valid pain assessment tool, such as the numeric rating scale or the faces pain scale, to measure his pain intensity.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not administer an opioid medication by IV route without assessing the patient's pain level and location first. Opioid medications are potent analgesics that can relieve severe pain, but they can also cause serious side effects, such as respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or dependence. The nurse should follow the principles of pain management, such as using the lowest effective dose, titrating the dose according to the patient's response, and monitoring the patient for adverse effects. The nurse should also consider using non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice packs, elevation, or distraction, to complement the pharmacological therapy.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not check the surgical dressing for bleeding without assessing the patient's pain level and location first. Checking the surgical dressing for bleeding is an important intervention to monitor the patient's wound healing and prevent infection, but it is not the priority in this scenario. The nurse should first assess the patient's pain and provide appropriate pain relief, as pain can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications. The nurse should also obtain the patient's consent and explain the procedure before checking the surgical dressing, as this can cause discomfort and anxiety.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not report the vital signs to the health care provider without assessing the patient's pain level and location first. Reporting the vital signs to the health care provider is an important intervention to communicate the patient's condition and obtain further orders, but it is not the priority in this scenario. The nurse should first assess the patient's pain and provide appropriate pain relief, as pain can affect the vital signs and the patient's well-being. The nurse should also document the patient's pain assessment and intervention in the medical record, as this can facilitate the continuity of care and evaluation of outcomes.