Questions: Which action would the nurse include in the plan of care when caring for a patient with a history of diabetes who is admitted to the hospital for a colon resection as treatment for cancer? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct. Provide continuous telemetry monitoring. Administer insulin subcutaneously as prescribed. Provide foot care every shift and assess for ulcers. Assess the abdominal incision for signs of infection. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level every 8 hours.

The actions the nurse would include in the plan of care for a patient with a history of diabetes who is admitted to the hospital for a colon resection as treatment for cancer are:

1. Administer insulin subcutaneously as prescribed.
2. Provide foot care every shift and assess for ulcers.
3. Assess the abdominal incision for signs of infection.
4. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level every 8 hours.

1. Provide continuous telemetry monitoring.

   • This action is not necessarily related to the patient's diabetes or colon resection unless there is a specific cardiac concern. Continuous telemetry monitoring is typically used for patients with cardiac issues.

2. Administer insulin subcutaneously as prescribed.

   • Correct. Managing blood glucose levels is crucial for a patient with diabetes, especially when they are undergoing surgery and are at risk for fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

3. Provide foot care every shift and assess for ulcers.

   • Correct. Patients with diabetes are at higher risk for foot ulcers and infections due to potential neuropathy and poor circulation. Regular foot care and assessment are essential.

4. Assess the abdominal incision for signs of infection.

   • Correct. Post-surgical patients, especially those with diabetes, are at increased risk for infections. Monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection is critical.

5. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level every 8 hours.

   • Correct. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels helps in managing diabetes effectively, especially in a hospital setting where stress and changes in routine can affect glucose levels.

The nurse should include administering insulin as prescribed, providing foot care and assessing for ulcers, assessing the abdominal incision for signs of infection, and obtaining capillary blood glucose levels every 8 hours in the plan of care for a diabetic patient admitted for a colon resection. Continuous telemetry monitoring is not necessarily required unless there is a specific indication for cardiac monitoring.