Question

M. G. is a 62-year-old man with diabetes, diagnosed 3 years ago, who presents to the outpatient diabetes clinic for a routine preventive checkup. Subjective Data Complains of occasional dizziness when rising in the morning Follows 1,600-calorie diabetic diet Married with two grown children Retired construction worker Goes to the gym 3 times a week Objective Data Vital signs: T 37 P 118 R 18 BP 120/68 Glucose reading: 96 Weight: 165 HT: 5 feet. 8 inches

5. What interventions might be included in the plan of care for this patient?

Answer 1

M.G. is a diabetic patient and is on diabetic diet. His glucose levels are under control. He is complaining of occasional dizziness when rising in the morning. This indicates that the patient is may be experiencing hypoglycemia. It is a condition when the body doesn't have enough glucose to use for energy. It may be due to too much of long acting insulin. The interventions to be included in the plan of care are as follows:
• Consume 15 grams of carbohydrates whenever he feels dizzy such as half a cup of non sugar free fruit juice, one tablespoon of honey, half a can of non diet soda or three glucose tablets.
• Do not eat too much to treat low blood sugar.
• After the first snack wait for 15 minutes, if still feeling dizzy take another serving of 15 grams of carbohydrates
• Take carbohydrates with protein and fat. Include foods like nuts, cheese or hummus to prevent another attack of hypoglycemia.
• Consult with the physician to adjust the insulin levels.
• Eat balanced meals with carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• Before bedtime have a snack.
• Avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
• Avoid exercising at night.
Some of the bedtime snacks are:
• 1 ounce of cheese and a small handful of whole grain crackers
• 1 Apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• One 8 ounce glass of milk
• Half avocado spread on a piece of whole grain toast
• Handful of berries with a small handful of nuts and seeds