Page 1399 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

mellitus.

2. Assessment

a. Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia (more
common in type 1 diabetes mellitus)
b. Hyperglycemia
c. Weight loss (common in type 1 diabetes
mellitus, rare in type 2 diabetes
mellitus)
d. Blurred vision
e. Slow wound healing
f. Vaginal infections
g. Weakness and paresthesias
h. Signs of inadequate circulation to the
feet
i. Signs of accelerated atherosclerosis
(renal, cerebral, cardiac, peripheral)

3. Diet

a. The diabetic client’s diet should take
into account weight, medication,
activity level, and other health
problems.
b. Day-to-day consistency in timing and
amount of food intake helps control
the blood glucose level.
c. As prescribed by the PHCP or
endocrinologist, the client may be
advised to follow the
recommendations of the American
Diabetic Association diet or U.S.
dietary guidelines (MyPlate;
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/)
issued by the U.S. Departments of
Agriculture and Health and Human
Services.
d. Carbohydrate counting may be a
simpler approach for some clients; it
focuses on the total grams of
carbohydrates eaten per meal. The
client may be more compliant with
carbohydrate counting, resulting in
better glycemic control; it is usually
necessary for clients undergoing
intense insulin therapy.
e. Incorporate the diet into individual
client needs, lifestyle, and cultural and
socioeconomic patterns.

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