A charge nurse on a neurological unit is making room assignments for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to the room closest to the nurses' station?

Choice A reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1C, reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is a crucial indicator of long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that the A1C level be checked at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and have stable glycemic control. An A1C level below 7% is generally considered good control, and achieving this target can reduce microvascular complications of diabetes.

Choice B reason: Postprandial blood glucose levels indicate the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal. While it's an important measure, it reflects only the immediate response to food intake and does not provide information about long-term glycemic control.

Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose levels measure the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes but is less effective than the A1C test for monitoring long-term glycemic control.

Choice D reason: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. This test is primarily used for diagnosing diabetes and gestational diabetes, not for long-term monitoring.

Choice A reason: Including more cantaloupe in the diet is a good practice for a client on furosemide therapy. Cantaloupe is high in potassium, and furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as it is a potent diuretic that increases urine production and the excretion of various electrolytes, including potassium. Therefore, consuming foods rich in potassium can help counteract this potential adverse effect.

Choice B reason: Checking the pulse before taking the medication is a general safety measure but does not directly relate to a specific adverse effect of furosemide. While it's important to monitor heart rate, especially in clients with heart failure, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the adverse effects related to furosemide.

Choice C reason: Trying to limit foods that contain salt is an appropriate action for a client with heart failure but is not directly related to an adverse effect of furosemide. Reducing salt intake can help manage heart failure by preventing fluid retention; however, it does not address the specific adverse effects of furosemide therapy.

Choice D reason: Checking blood pressure to ensure it doesn't get too high is important for clients with heart failure but does not indicate an understanding of the adverse effects of furosemide. Furosemide is used to reduce excess fluid in the body, which can lower blood pressure, not increase it. This statement does not reflect an understanding of furosemide's potential to cause electrolyte imbalances.