Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

For a 3-year-old diagnosed with diabetes, which intervention should be included in the care plan?

1. Allow her to handle and play with equipment being used in her care

2. Avoid talking about the disease process

3. Give her detailed explanations with pictures when possible

4. Encourage participation in procedures such as finger sticks and insulin administration

The correct answer is: Allow her to handle and play with equipment being used in her care

The correct choice for including in the care plan for a 3-year-old diagnosed with diabetes is to encourage participation in procedures such as finger sticks and insulin administration. This intervention is vital as it not only promotes a sense of control and empowerment in the child but also familiarizes them with their condition in a developmentally appropriate manner. Engaging the child in their care helps reduce anxiety and makes medical procedures feel less frightening. At this age, children are often curious and learn through play and hands-on experiences. Involving them in simple aspects of their care can foster a positive attitude towards managing their diabetes and contribute to better adherence to their treatment regimen in the future. This participation can help build a sense of autonomy, which is crucial for a child's psychological development. While allowing the child to handle and play with equipment can seem supportive, it may not be a structured or effective approach compared to actively involving them in their care practices.