Managing Pediatric Diabetes: A Case Study of Susan
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Managing Pediatric Diabetes: A Case Study of Susan
1. Will Susan require hospitalization?
Susan may need hospitalization since, according to these findings, considerable weight loss,
hyperglycemia (GLUCOSE level of 325 mg/dL and HIGH HbA1c of 9. 1%), and glycosuria all point to
uncontrolled diabetes, more specifically type 1. Susan should be admitted to the hospital because she
has to be brought to a stable blood glucose level for insulin therapy; then, the family should be taught
how they can manage the situation. It requires an urgent medical response to avoid the development of
more severe issues, including Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
2. Susan practices sports after school; will all these activities be deprived of her services?
Susan can continue with after-school activities, such as sports, since exercises help moderate
blood glucose levels. However, she needs to monitor her blood glucose at least a day before, during, and
after the physical activities. The decrease in the amount of carbohydrates ingested may require a change
in her insulin use, and her caregivers must be trained to avoid hypoglycemia for her safety.
3. What should the nurse do in this particular scenario? Prioritize the actions.
To address the health concerns of this patient – nutrition-focused, the nurse should intervene by
using insulin, assessing Susan for diabetic ketoacidosis and ensuring she understands the disease and
how to manage it. Coordination with the primary pediatrician and referral of the patient to a pediatric
endocrinologist for follow-up evaluation should be done. Furthermore, there is a need for emotional
support and resources, including support groups and diabetes education programs, that will enable
Susan and her family to cope with the new diagnosis and the subsequent necessary life changes.
References
Serbis, A., Giapros, V., Kotanidou, E. P., Galli-Tsinopoulou, A., & Simon, E. (2021). Diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. World Journal of
Diabetes, 12(4), 344.
