A client has a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the health care provider should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: This statement is false. A 12-month-old who is 2-days post-op cleft palate repair whose vital signs are within normal limits is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be mild and manageable with non-pharmacological interventions, such as distraction, comfort, or oral care.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. A 6-month-old who is crying and becomes calm when held by a parent is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from an unknown cause, but it is likely to be transient and responsive to non-pharmacological interventions, such as soothing, rocking, or cuddling.

Choice C reason: This statement is true. An 8-month-old with legs drawn to chest and a temperature of 39.5 degrees C is the priority for pain medication. This infant may have severe pain from an infection, such as appendicitis, meningitis, or urinary tract infection. This infant may also have signs of inflammation, such as fever, leukocytosis, or elevated C-reactive protein. This infant needs immediate pain relief and antibiotic therapy.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. A 4-month-old that has just returned from the recovery room is not the priority for pain medication. This infant may have some pain from the surgery, but it is likely to be moderate and controlled with pharmacological interventions, such as opioids, NSAIDs, or local anesthetics.

Choice A reason: Urine dipstick for glucose is not a reliable test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for type 2 diabetes. Urine glucose testing can only detect glucose in the urine when the blood glucose level is very high, above the renal threshold of 180 mg/dL. Urine glucose testing does not reflect the average blood glucose level over time, and can be affected by factors such as hydration, medication, and urinary tract infections.

Choice B reason: Fasting blood glucose is a test that measures the blood glucose level after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours. Fasting blood glucose is a useful test to diagnose diabetes, but it is not the best test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for type 2 diabetes. Fasting blood glucose only reflects the blood glucose level at one point in time, and can vary depending on the time of day, the amount and type of food eaten, and the activity level.

Choice C reason: Oral glucose tolerance is a test that measures the blood glucose level before and after drinking a solution containing 75 g of glucose. Oral glucose tolerance is another test that can diagnose diabetes, but it is not the most convenient or accurate test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for type 2 diabetes. Oral glucose tolerance requires the patient to fast for at least 8 hours, drink the glucose solution, and have blood samples taken at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Oral glucose tolerance can also be influenced by factors such as stress, illness, medication, and menstrual cycle.

Choice D reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1C) is a test that measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. Red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, so the hemoglobin A1C test reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin A1C is the best test to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for type 2 diabetes, as it shows how well the blood glucose level has been controlled over time, and is not affected by factors such as fasting, food intake, or daily fluctuations.