Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Which action by the caregiver is crucial for a 9-year-old with diabetes?

1. Encourage complete independence in self-care

2. Regularly monitor his blood sugar levels and insulin administration

3. Provide distractions during insulin administration

4. Limit conversations about his diabetes management

The correct answer is: Regularly monitor his blood sugar levels and insulin administration

Monitoring blood sugar levels and managing insulin administration are essential actions for a caregiver supporting a 9-year-old with diabetes. This is because maintaining stable blood glucose levels is critical for the child's overall health and well-being. Regular monitoring helps in recognizing patterns that can inform treatment adjustments and prevent complications, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. At this age, children may not fully understand the implications of fluctuating blood sugar levels on their health. Thus, caregivers play a vital role in helping manage diabetes effectively. This includes not only the physical act of checking blood sugar and administering insulin but also educating the child about their condition, which fosters a sense of responsibility and understanding regarding their health. While encouraging independence in self-care is important, it must be balanced with the appropriate level of supervision and guidance, especially in a child with a chronic condition like diabetes. Providing distractions during insulin administration might help ease anxiety but does not substitute the necessity of monitoring and managing diabetes effectively. Limiting conversations about diabetes could lead to misunderstandings or lack of knowledge, which can negatively impact the child's ability to manage their condition in the long run.