Which advice will the nurse provide to a client who is taking an oral hypoglycemic daily for type 2 diabetes who develops an infection with anorexia?

Which advice will the nurse provide to a client who is taking an oral hypoglycemic daily for type 2 diabetes who develops an infection with anorexia?

• A. Avoid solid food
• B. Continue to take the oral medication
• C. Drink fluids throughout the day
• D. Monitor capillary glucose levels

Answer: (D)

Illness with anorexia disrupts glucose control, so keeping a close eye on blood sugar is essential. Infections raise glucose through stress hormones, while poor intake can make the effect of an oral hypoglycemic unpredictable and increase the risk of hypoglycemia if food isn’t available. By monitoring capillary glucose levels regularly, the patient and nurse can see how the illness is affecting glucose and decide whether to adjust the medication, seek medical advice, or take other safety steps. Simply focusing on eating or drinking without this real-time glucose information doesn’t reliably ensure safe management.

Illness with anorexia disrupts glucose control, so keeping a close eye on blood sugar is essential. Infections raise glucose through stress hormones, while poor intake can make the effect of an oral hypoglycemic unpredictable and increase the risk of hypoglycemia if food isn’t available. By monitoring capillary glucose levels regularly, the patient and nurse can see how the illness is affecting glucose and decide whether to adjust the medication, seek medical advice, or take other safety steps. Simply focusing on eating or drinking without this real-time glucose information doesn’t reliably ensure safe management.