Assignment: Diabetes

Connie Rodrigues, a 47-year-old overweight woman, has gradually increasing dyspnea and mild chest discomfort on exertion, fatigue, and weight gain. She has no children and is not now pregnant. Further history reveals a family history of diabetes.

Answer the following questions about Ms. Rodrigues and diabetes.

1. In addition to questions about her chest discomfort, what other assessment questions should you ask Ms. Rodrigues? Why?

2. Ms. Rodrigues has polyuria, paresthesias in her feet, an itching rash in her groin, and blurry vision. Why is it important to measure her blood pressure and the pain and vibration sensation in her hands and feet?

3. Her nurse practitioner ordered blood tests for glucose and HbA1C. What do you expect these values to be if Ms. Rodrigues has type 2 diabetes?

4. What information does HbA1C provide that the blood glucose level does not?

5. Ms. Rodrigues's evaluation reveals Candida infection and mild coronary artery disease. Why does diabetes increase the risk of infection?

6. Which physiological mechanisms contribute to peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes?