Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose. Nursing care focuses on keeping glucose in range, preventing highs and lows, and teaching self-management for life.
A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation
Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).
CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS
PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT
Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level
Related to
- Insulin deficiency or resistance
- Inconsistent diet, activity, or medication use
- Illness or stress
As evidenced by
- (Risk diagnosis: no signs yet)
Short-term goals
- Fasting glucose stays between 80 and 130 mg/dL, or as ordered, during the stay
- Client recognizes signs of high and low glucose
Long-term goals
- A1C below 7% (or the provider's goal) within 3 to 6 months
- Glucose before meals and at bedtime
- Signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- A1C, diet, and activity patterns
| INTERVENTION | RATIONALE |
|---|---|
| Give insulin or oral medications as ordered, timed with meals | Matches medicine to food intake to prevent highs and lows. |
| Treat glucose under 70 with 15 g of fast carbs and recheck in 15 minutes | The rule of 15 safely raises glucose. |
| Teach carb counting with a dietitian | Consistent carbs help keep glucose steady. |
| Teach sick-day rules | Illness can raise glucose even when the client eats less. |
EVALUATION
- Glucose readings stay in the goal range
- Client demonstrates glucose checks and insulin technique
CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS
PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT
Deficient Knowledge (Diabetes Self-Management)
Related to
- New diagnosis
- Limited exposure to information
As evidenced by
- Questions about diet and medications
- Inaccurate insulin technique
Short-term goals
- Client demonstrates insulin injection and glucose testing before discharge
Long-term goals
- Client manages diabetes independently at home
- Readiness to learn, health literacy, and barriers
| INTERVENTION | RATIONALE |
|---|---|
| Use teach-back | Confirms the client understood. |
| Teach foot care and eye exams | Prevents long-term complications. |
| Include family | Support improves adherence. |
EVALUATION
- Client correctly explains and demonstrates the self-care plan
Quick answers
Is "Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose" a real diagnosis?
Yes. It is a risk diagnosis, so it has no "as evidenced by" signs yet. You list risk factors instead.
For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.