Because he has a sedentary lifestyle,
is >35 years old, has hypertension and
peripheral neuropathy, and is being
treated for hypercholestrolemia, the
NP performed an electrocardiogram
in the office and referred the patient
for an exercise tolerance test.11 In
doing this, the NP acknowledged and
respected the mutually set goals, but
also provided appropriate pre-exercise
screening for the patient’s protection
and safety.
In her role as diabetes educator, the
NP taught A.B. and his wife the
importance of foot care, demonstrating
to the patient his inability to feel
the light touch of the monofilament.
She explained that the loss of protective
sensation from peripheral neuropathy
means that he will need to be
more vigilant in checking his feet for
any skin lesions caused by poorly fitting
footwear worn during exercise.