Nokea
A male client has been an insulin-dependent diabetic for approximately 30 years. He frequently indulges in high-sugar foods and forgets to take his insulin. He has not experienced acute diabetic emergencies over the years but is now beginning to demonstrate symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This distresses him because dancing is one of his favorite pastimes. He decides to question his wife's home health nurse about diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The nurse points out his noncompliance to his diabetic diet and insulin regimen. The client answers the nurse, 'It has been my experience that the diabetic diet is very difficult to follow. As far as the insulin, isn't a fellow allowed to forget now and then?' The client's actions and response best demonstrate:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression may be an underlying feature, but it is not evident from limited data presented here. Anger is not exhibited in his response. Denial is evident in the client's actions; through the years, he has had a casual approach to his illness. He only becomes concerned when bodily changes affect his present lifestyle, when in fact he should have been concerned all along. His verbal response also reflects denial. There is no evidence of bargaining in the client's actions or verbal response.