What should the nurse evaluate to determine effectiveness of a teaching plan for managing diabetes?

To determine the effectiveness of a teaching plan for managing diabetes, evaluating the client’s daily blood glucose logs is crucial. These logs provide direct evidence of how well the client is managing their blood sugar levels over time, reflecting the impact of the education they received regarding dietary management, physical activity, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.

Monitoring blood glucose levels allows the nurse to assess how well the client is applying the knowledge gained from the teaching plan in a practical way. If the logs indicate consistent blood glucose levels within the target range, it suggests that the client has effectively integrated the information from the education into their daily routine. This data-driven approach gives a clear picture of the outcomes of the behavioral changes prompted by the education, which is essential for ongoing diabetes management.

In comparison, while understanding dietary restrictions and adhering to a medication regimen are important elements of diabetes management, they may not provide immediate quantitative evidence of effectiveness like blood glucose logs can. Attendance at follow-up appointments is also valuable, but it does not directly assess the client's daily management and application of the learned strategies. Overall, the daily blood glucose logs serve as the most direct indicator of how effectively a client is managing their diabetes following the educational intervention.