Health Promotion and Maintenance
19. A pregnant client expresses concern about her gestational diabetes and asks an RN, "Does this mean I will be diabetic for the rest of my life?" Which is the most appropriate response by the RN?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
19. A pregnant client expresses concern about her gestational diabetes and asks an RN, "Does this mean I will be diabetic for the rest of my life?" Which is the most appropriate response by the RN?
. "In most cases, a woman with gestational diabetes will become a diabetic who is insulin-dependent."
. "If you follow your diabetic diet, you will probably not have anything to worry about."
. "As long as you don't become pregnant again you will not become a diabetic."
. "There is a possibility that you may develop type 2 diabetes at some point in the future."
Test-Taking Tip
Eliminate the answer that gives false reassurance. Telling a client she has nothing to worry about is not an appropriate response.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Potential for Alterations in Body Systems
Health Promotion and Maintenance
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because, in most cases, a woman with gestational diabetes will not become a diabetic who is insulin dependent, but rather has a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Answer 2 is incorrect because, even with following a diabetic diet, there is still a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Answer 3 is incorrect because, even if there are no subsequent pregnancies, there is still a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Answer 4 is correct because there is about a 75% chance that a woman with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes in the future.