James is 18 years of age and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait background.  He has just presented (with his parents) to his GP with a 2 week history of extreme fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss.

Question Answered step-by-step James is 18 years of age and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait background.  He has just presented (with his parents) to his GP with a 2 week history of extreme fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss.His random BGL is 41 mmol/L and his blood ketones show 3.2 mmol/L.His GP has diagnosed Type 1 diabetes with DKA and has sent him to the emergency department to see an endocrinologist at your public hospital.The endocrinologist has decided on inpatient stabilisation. James has been deemed stable enough with his DKA to avoid ICU admission, but requires acute nursing care.He his severely dehydrated, his potassium and sodium levels are low and he is experiencing muscle and abdominal cramps and some problems breathing.James is conscious, anxious and angry.James has no relevant past medical history, but has a BMI of 30 and smokes. He also reports that he drinks occasionally.His parents are with him and are dazed and concerned. James lives in a rural community in NSW, but is now at your major hospital for treatment.James has been admitted to your acute medical ward and the doctor asked you to make a referral for diabetes education and dietitian services but it is Saturday of a long weekend and there are none of these services in place until Tuesday.James confidence and self-esteem is likely to be affected by this diagnosis.How will you approach this initial meeting with James and his family?Consider emotional and cultural aspects for James and his family. Health Science Science Nursing NURSING HLT54115 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)