Which short-term goal is the priority for a client with a new insulin pump who is receiving discharge instructions?

• A. Plan daily intake incorporating diabetic diet guidelines
• B. Demonstrate proper subcutaneous insulin injection technique
• C. Demonstrate correct use of the insulin pump
• D. List three self-care activities that help control the diabetes

Answer: (C)

When a client starts using an insulin pump, the immediate priority is mastering how to operate the pump correctly. The pump directly controls insulin delivery, including both basal rates and meal-time boluses, so accurate programming, priming, site changes, and responding to alarms are essential for safety and effective blood glucose control. If the pump isn’t used correctly, insulin can be delivered inappropriately, leading to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia regardless of diet or other skills.

Diet planning and understanding self-care activities are important parts of diabetes management, but they don’t ensure safe, accurate insulin delivery with a pump when first learning the device. Learning the correct pump use lays the foundation for the rest of the discharge education, including how to adjust doses, manage alarms, and troubleshoot, before adding other competencies.