Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When teaching a 12-year-old with diabetes, what should the nurse encourage to alleviate apprehension?

1. Teach the child to do her own fingersticks

2. Explain the importance of diet strictly

3. Reassure the child about the pain of diabetes

4. Have the child watch others perform monitoring

The correct answer is: Teach the child to do her own fingersticks

Encouraging a 12-year-old with diabetes to do her own fingersticks is essential in alleviating apprehension and promoting independence in diabetes management. This age is a critical time for developing self-management skills, and allowing the child to take an active role in her care can significantly reduce feelings of fear and helplessness associated with the disease. When children engage in their own care routines, such as performing fingersticks, they can gain confidence in managing their condition. This hands-on experience can demystify the process, making it feel less intimidating. It can also empower them to understand blood glucose monitoring, thus fostering a sense of control over their health. Other options, such as explaining the importance of a strict diet or reassuring the child about the pain of diabetes, may not directly address the child’s involvement in their own care. Watching others perform monitoring can lead to increased anxiety rather than reducing it, as it may reinforce feelings of inadequacy or fear about performing the task themselves. By focusing on self-care techniques, such as performing fingersticks, the nurse can help cultivate a proactive attitude towards the child's diabetes management.