Purpose: Identify suitable health education topics for older adults.
Directions: Discuss the following client situation, all seen in a clinic. Identify what health education topics are important to discuss with this client.
An obese 65-year-old man has a chief complaint of increased hunger, thirst, and fatigue. He was diagnosed with adult onset diabetes mellitus and appears motivated to learn better self-care and self-management. His blood glucose was 240 MG/DL (65 to 99 is normal). He is employed at local cafeteria where he eats two meals per day.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Older adults have specific health education needs like diet, exercise, medication management, and preventable diseases prevention. The purpose of this discussion is to identify suitable health education topics for an older adult with diabetes mellitus.
Answer: The obese 65-year-old man with diabetes mellitus is a high-risk individual for several medical conditions. His chief complaint of increased hunger, thirst, and fatigue indicates that his diabetes is poorly controlled. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the following health education topics with the client:
1. Diabetes self-management: The client needs to learn about the basics of diabetes self-care, including blood sugar monitoring, medication management, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Self-management education can improve blood sugar control, prevent complications, and enhance the quality of life for people with diabetes.
2. Healthy eating habits: The client needs to learn about the importance of a healthy diet for diabetes management. He needs to know how to balance his meals with protein, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates. Also, he needs to learn the importance of avoiding high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods.
3. Physical activity: The client needs to learn about the importance of regular physical activity in diabetes management. Exercise can improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and lower the risk of heart disease.
4. Hydration: The client needs to learn about maintaining hydration levels to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
5. Medication adherence: It is essential to discuss the importance of medication adherence, possible side effects, and how to manage them correctly.
6. Preventable diseases prevention: Supporting the client in taking influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, shoes and feet care, vision checks, and dental exams.
In conclusion, a comprehensive diabetes self-management education program can help the client achieve better blood glucose control, decrease the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, and improve his overall health status.
