MEDizzy - A pregnant client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus arrives

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A pregnant client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus arrives at the primary health care clinic for a follow-up visit. What best assessment should the nurse perform to assess insulin function?

ExplanationIn addition to blood glucose testing, the nurse assesses the pregnant client with diabetes mellitus for glucose and ketones in the urine at each prenatal visit because the physiological changes of pregnancy can drastically alter insulin requirements. It is important to remember though that urine testing for glucose may not be beneficial during pregnancy, because of the lowered renal threshold for glucose; therefore, the degree of glycosuria does not accurately reflect the blood glucose level. The assessment of urine for specific gravity; the presence of edema; and blood pressure, pulse, and respirations are more related to the client with gestational hypertension.