IDDM Nursing Diagnosis and Treatment, Research Paper Example

In order to maintain a proper blood glucose level, the patient with a diagnosis of IDDM must maintain a stable blood glucose level; in addition, there are other type I diabetes medications that are available to improve the effectiveness of insulin treatment. By itself, insulin is not adequate to control IDDM; that treatment must be accompanied by proper diet, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels. In addition, there are certain alternative medicine treatments that can assist in treatment efficiency, such as herbs, homeopathy, yoga, and acupressure.

Life education is a crucial aspect of nursing treatment and interventions for IDDM; appropriate education and awareness of the disease and its implications can prevent complications and delay onset or worsening. The education programs must be tailored to the need of the specific patients and their families, with the goal of increasing knowledge and reinforcing compliance with the treatment program as well as changing the attitudes of the patients towards treatment. Successful interventions with IDDM patients requires their lifetime commitment to daily insulin use, stringent dietary practices, and several lifestyle choices that support, weight control and regular exercise. Successful delivery of health knowledge to patients regarding IDDM has the goal of reducing number of and length of hospitalizations, as well as the tremendous costs associated with treating IDDM.

Problem: Knowledge deficit regarding detrimental impact of diet, including fast foods and energy drinks, on the course of IDDM; crucial nature of compliance with insulin treatment and monitoring blood glucose levels; and importance of exercise–finding ways to remain active, despite his career of truck driving–in the treatment of IDDM.

Predicted Behavioral Outcome Objectives: Patient will bring food along on his driving routes that is complementary to supporting IDDM treatment; patient will be able to describe importance of lifestyle changes in the impact on his disease; patient will engage in physical activity either before, during, or after his driving stints; patient will explore ways to stay awake on the road without drinking sugary liquids.

Nursing Interventions:

1. Conduct thorough assessment of patient’s physical/emotional/social status.
2. Develop diet with dietitian and patient that combines appropriate foods with realistic parameters given his preferences and lifestyle
3. Establish ideal weight goal.
4. Instruct patient about insulin delivery methods, need for adequate fluid intake.
5. Educate patient about monitoring glucose level.
6. Involve patient’s friends or family in education regarding diet and lifestyle changes.
7. Develop exercise/physical activity plan with patient.
8. Refer patient to professional organizations such as American Diabetes Association for education, assistance.
9. Assist patient with locating individual or group support from newly diagnosed IDDM patients.
10. Work with patient to avoid injury due to visual impairments, such as avoiding slippery floors, using a low bed, helping with ambulation issues, and assisting client with ADLs.

Evaluation: Weigh patient at each visit, monitor vital signs, breathing patterns, impaired skin integrity, observe for signs of fatigue, edema, and make note of nausea, vomiting, and distended stomach.

Recommendations: Given this patient’s occupation, it would be advisable to recommend that he seek medical help/evaluation every week, including when he is on the road. That would involve finding medical settings in various dates and locations where he can be seen easily. In addition, as noted, it would be important to include the patient’s support system in any planning in order to reinforce dietary and lifestyle changes.