Nr507 Week 1: Open Forum Discussion
Nr507 Week 1: Open Forum. This is a required, but not graded open forum. Please feel free to post questions related to content or assignments.
Share with the class the name of your disease process assigned to you by your faculty this week. Tell us if this is a disease that you have encountered in caring for patients in your own nursing practice. Feel free to share a practice exemplar. If this is a completely new disease that you will learn about, tell us if it relates to your nursing practice in terms of the populations for which you care.
Nr507 Week 1: Open Forum Answer
My designated focus is on diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), previously recognized as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. DM1 is a chronic condition resulting from the autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient or negligible insulin production (ADA, 2018). Insulin, as elucidated by Katsarou et al. (2017), is pivotal for facilitating the entry of glucose into cells, where it is utilized for energy production. The etiology of DM1 involves a combination of genetic factors and certain viruses, contributing to its development. Although more prevalent in children and adolescents, DM1 can also manifest in adults.
Despite extensive research efforts, a definitive cure for DM1 remains elusive. Consequently, the primary focus of management and treatment revolves around regulating blood sugar levels through insulin administration, coupled with dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications to prevent complications (Katsarou et al., 2017). In my capacity as a family nurse practitioner in the pediatric unit, I frequently encounter cases of diabetes among my patients.Nr507 Week 1: Open Forum
These individuals often present with sudden polyuria (excessive or abnormal urine production) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). Additionally, symptoms may include polyphagia (increased hunger), unexplained weight loss, bed-wetting in children who did not previously wet the bed at night, irritability, mood variations, fatigue, and blurred vision (Zaccardi, Webb, Yates, & Davies, 2016). Managing diabetes in pediatric patients involves a comprehensive approach that incorporates insulin therapy, dietary management, and ongoing education for both patients and their families. This ensures a holistic and patient-centered approach to care, aligning with the principles of the American Nurses Association (2015) and the evolving landscape of evidence-based practice in pediatric diabetes management.Nr507 Week 1: Open Forum
