What task should a nurse teach a 5-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Teaching a 5-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus the performance of glucose testing is appropriate because it is a task that the child can understand and participate in with adult supervision. At this age, children are more likely to grasp the concept of checking their blood sugar levels, as it can be framed in a way that relates to how they're feeling or their energy levels, making it relevant to their daily experiences.

Involvement in glucose testing can help children develop a sense of responsibility for their health and allows them to become more aware of their condition in a manageable way. It supports the development of self-care skills which will be essential as they grow older. Additionally, it helps to foster a cooperative approach to their treatment, encouraging communication about their needs and feelings.

On the other hand, while tasks like the selection of high carbohydrate foods, administration of insulin injections, and preparation of insulin doses are also important components of diabetes management, they may be too complex for a young child to handle independently. These tasks require a higher level of understanding, fine motor skills, and responsibility, which may not be developmentally appropriate for a 5-year-old. Involving parents or caregivers to perform these tasks while gradually teaching the child about them can help bridge the transition