Teaching Self-Management and Follow-Up

1. Mr. Patel, 49, is newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after presenting with fatigue and increased thirst. During teaching, the LPN notices he looks overwhelmed and asks, “What should I do first when I go home?” He reports that he eats irregularly and does not understand how to check his blood glucose. Which teaching point is most important for the LPN to include at this time? *

Begin an intense exercise program to lose weight quickly

Check blood glucose regularly and recognize signs of hypoglycemia

Avoid all carbohydrates in the diet

Use herbal supplements to support glucose control

2. Mrs. Nguyen, 71, is being discharged after treatment for heart failure. She takes multiple medications and becomes confused when the LPN verbally lists her follow-up appointments. She says, “I forget things easily—how will I remember all this?” What is the primary purpose of providing written discharge instructions? *

To ensure the patient signs the paperwork before leaving

To protect the healthcare team from legal issues

To reduce the length of hospital stays

To reinforce teaching and help patients remember important information

3. Mr. Caron, 63, is recovering from an acute COPD exacerbation. He still has a productive cough but his breathing has stabilized. He tells the LPN he hasn’t seen his primary care provider in almost a year and asks, “Do I really need to go?” When should the LPN advise follow-up with a primary care provider? *

Only if symptoms worsen

Within 1–2 weeks after discharge to reassess symptoms and treatment

After finishing all medications

Only if he has transportation available

4. Mrs. Durocher, 67, was started on a new anticoagulant after a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. She tells the LPN, “I’m scared of bleeding. How will I know if something is wrong?” She lives alone and has no local family support. Which teaching point is essential for the LPN to include? *

Stop the medication if any bruising appears

Double the dose if she misses one

Avoid all physical activity

Report signs of bleeding such as black stools, nosebleeds, or unusual bruising

5. Mr. Dagenais, 72, is newly diagnosed with heart failure. During discharge teaching, he asks, “How will I know if I’m getting worse?” He struggles with remembering multiple instructions and prefers simple, practical tips. What is the most important self-management teaching point? *

Weigh yourself daily and report a gain of 2–3 kg in a short time

Avoid all fluids to prevent swelling

Stop taking medications once symptoms improve

Exercise vigorously every day

6. Lina, 16, is being discharged after an asthma flare-up. She admits she often forgets to use her controller inhaler and only uses her blue inhaler when she feels tightness. She asks the LPN, “How do I stop this from happening again?” Which teaching point is most important for preventing future exacerbations? *

Use the rescue inhaler every morning as a routine

Stop using inhalers once symptoms improve

Only use inhalers during exercise

Take the controller inhaler daily as prescribed, even when feeling well

7. Mr. Saulnier, 58, is discharged with a short-term opioid prescription after abdominal surgery. He says, “I don’t usually take strong pain pills—how do I take them safely?” Which teaching point should the nurse include to support safe self-management? *

Take extra pills if the pain worsens

Drive as long as he feels alert

Avoid mixing opioids with alcohol or sedatives

Take the medication on an empty stomach for faster effect

8. Mrs. Rousseau, 64, is newly diagnosed with hypertension. She was given lifestyle recommendations and a prescription for antihypertensive medication. She asks the LPN, “When do I need to come back?” When should the LPN recommend follow-up with her primary care provider? *

After one year unless symptoms worsen

Every 6 months for blood tests

Within 1 month to evaluate blood pressure control and adjust medication

Only if she experiences dizziness

9. A 45-year-old patient is being discharged after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He asks the LPN how to care for the incision at home. He has no previous experience with wound care and expresses concern about infection. Which instruction is essential for promoting safe wound self-care? *

Remove steri-strips within 24 hours

Keep the incision clean and dry, and report redness or drainage

Apply ointment and cover with gauze daily

Wash the area vigorously to avoid bacteria buildup

10. Mr. Beaulieu, 82, takes eight daily medications. He often forgets doses and becomes confused by medication changes during hospitalization. During teaching, he says, “I always mix them up. I don’t want to make a mistake at home.” What is the most effective self-management strategy to teach him? *

Rely on memory and take medications when he remembers

Take all medications together once a day

Use a weekly pill organizer and written medication schedule

Stop any medication that causes side effects