A 30-year-old patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes states to the nurse,"If glucose is so important,then I think as long as my blood sugar is high I must be doing well." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "It depends on what you mean by high blood sugar. You will need to obtain more information from your provider as diabetes is a very complicated disease process."
B) "I understand how you are thinking; however, a high glucose level does not mean that there is more fuel available for your body's cells. Because you have diabetes, your body cells will allow only a limited amount to enter. The cells can't use the excess glucose."
C) "I will be able to explain this to you a little better later when we talk about diabetes. For now, I have to finish my assessment and then we can get back to your question."
D) "I will teach you how to perform glucose testing when I finish your assessment. As long as your blood sugar remains somewhere in the 120 to 140 range, you will be doing well."

Question

William Hoffman · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B , Explanation :  Diabetes,an endocrine problem,may develop as a result of either insufficient insulin production or resistance to the existing supply of insulin.A high blood glucose level does not mean that there is more fuel available for cellular energy.A characteristic of diabetes is that although there is more than enough glucose in the blood,it cannot enter and be used by the cells.Putting the patient off by telling her to ask the provider indicates either her own poor understanding of the disease,or an unwillingness to provide patient teaching.The nurse should clarify,explain,and teach this information to her patient in a timely way.Glucose testing is important; however,a random blood sugar range of 120 to 140 mg/dL is too high for diabetic patients.

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