The goal for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus should include which objective?

• A. The client will demonstrate self-injection of insulin, using a preloaded syringe, into the subcutaneous tissue of the thigh prior to discharge
• B. The client will monitor blood glucose daily
• C. The client will maintain a weight within a healthy range
• D. The client will switch to oral hypoglycemic agents

Answer: (A)

Self-management of insulin therapy is essential for a person with type 1 diabetes. Before discharge, the patient must be able to correctly administer insulin, which requires proper technique, knowledge of injection sites, rotation, dosing, and recognizing signs of hypo- or hyperglycemia. Demonstrating use of a preloaded syringe shows the patient can perform injections safely and independently at home, a key step in achieving ongoing glycemic control and preventing shortages or dosing errors.

Daily blood glucose monitoring is important, but on its own does not prove the patient can manage the core treatment at home. Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial but not the defining readiness skill for initiating insulin therapy. Switching to oral hypoglycemic agents is not appropriate for type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin.