In the context of self-care for a child with type 1 diabetes, which task can be delegated to a school-age child?

Choosing the injection site is a task that can be appropriately delegated to a school-age child managing type 1 diabetes. Children in this age group can understand the importance of varying injection sites to prevent complications such as lipodystrophy, a condition that can occur due to repeated injections in the same areas. This responsibility fosters a sense of autonomy and helps the child be more engaged in their diabetes management.

Additionally, choosing an injection site requires the child to consider factors like discomfort and the best place for absorption, which are concepts they can grasp at their developmental level. Engaging them in this task can help promote responsibility and self-management skills essential for their overall health and wellbeing.

Other tasks, such as drawing up insulin, administering insulin, and performing ketone testing, typically require a higher level of skill, precision, and understanding of the implications of errors, making them less suitable for delegation to a school-age child without adult oversight.