For a client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and intermittent claudication, which outcome should the nurse include in the plan of care?

For a client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and intermittent claudication, which outcome should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. The client will express acceptance of their newly diagnosed health status.
• B. The client's blood pressure readings will be less than 160/90 mmHg.
• C. The client's skin on the lower legs will be intact at the next clinic visit.
• D. The nurse will show the client how to perform stress management techniques.

Answer: (D)

Managing stress is a practical, actionable step that supports a new diabetes plan. Stress can raise blood glucose through hormonal responses and can undermine adherence to diet, medications, and exercise—all essential for type 2 diabetes management. Teaching the patient stress management techniques gives them concrete tools to handle worries, cope with the diagnosis, and stay engaged in self-care activities. For someone with intermittent claudication, reducing stress helps them approach activity more confidently. Techniques like paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, or cognitive coping strategies can lessen anxiety about leg pain and make it easier to begin and maintain a graded walking program, which is important for circulation and glycemic control. This option stands out because it translates into a teachable, repeatable skill the patient can demonstrate and use regularly, directly supporting self-management and ongoing care. Other goals—like simply accepting the diagnosis, aiming for a specific blood pressure, or ensuring skin is intact at a single visit—are important but do not provide the same clear, actionable self-management skill that can be practiced and measured in the near term.

Managing stress is a practical, actionable step that supports a new diabetes plan. Stress can raise blood glucose through hormonal responses and can undermine adherence to diet, medications, and exercise—all essential for type 2 diabetes management. Teaching the patient stress management techniques gives them concrete tools to handle worries, cope with the diagnosis, and stay engaged in self-care activities.

For someone with intermittent claudication, reducing stress helps them approach activity more confidently. Techniques like paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, or cognitive coping strategies can lessen anxiety about leg pain and make it easier to begin and maintain a graded walking program, which is important for circulation and glycemic control.

This option stands out because it translates into a teachable, repeatable skill the patient can demonstrate and use regularly, directly supporting self-management and ongoing care. Other goals—like simply accepting the diagnosis, aiming for a specific blood pressure, or ensuring skin is intact at a single visit—are important but do not provide the same clear, actionable self-management skill that can be practiced and measured in the near term.