A nurse preceptor is evaluating the performance of a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the preceptor?

Choice A rationale:

A random plasma glucose level of 176 mg/dL indicates high blood sugar at the time of the test. Random glucose levels are not ideal for assessing glycemic control as they can vary based on recent food intake and stressors.

Choice B rationale:

Triglyceride levels are not used to assess glycemic control. They measure the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream and are related to lipid metabolism, not glucose control.

Choice C rationale:

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. An HbA1c level of 6.8% indicates acceptable glycemic control in a person with diabetes. The normal range for HbA1c is typically less than 6.5%. This test reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, giving a better understanding of overall glucose control.

Choice D rationale:

Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated. While fasting blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are generally considered normal, levels between 100-125 mg/dL are considered prediabetic, and levels above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions indicate diabetes. The result provided falls within the prediabetic range but does not indicate optimal glycemic control.

A. Instructing a staff member to maintain a log of emergency care provided is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important task, but it can be done later, after ensuring the safety of the staff and children and providing immediate care to those who need it.

B. Applying cervical spine collars to children who have suspected neck trauma is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a priority intervention, but it can only be done after surveying the scene for potential hazards and making sure that it is safe to approach and touch the children.

C. Notifying guardians of the emergency and injuries to their children is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a necessary step, but it can be delegated to another staff member or done after providing initial care to the children.

D. Surveying the scene for potential hazards to staff and children is the correct answer. This is the first action that the nurse should take, according to the principles of emergency care. The nurse needs to assess the situation and ensure that there are no dangers such as fire, electricity, gas, or falling debris that could harm anyone at the scene. The nurse also needs to determine how many children are injured, how severe their injuries are, and what resources are available to help them.