A home health nurse is reviewing treatment goals with a client who has diabetes mellitus.
The nurse should evaluate which of the following laboratory tests to determine effective long- term management of blood glucose levels?

A. Constipation: While constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered an immediate threat to a patient's health in a cardiac unit setting. It requires assessment and intervention but is not the highest priority.

B. Indigestion can be a subtle symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in older adults, women, or clients with diabetes. Clients experiencing "indigestion" may be describing chest discomfort, which requires immediate assessment to rule out a cardiac event. Early identification and intervention for cardiac symptoms are critical to prevent further complications.

C. Swollen ankles can indicate fluid retention, which is a common sign of heart failure. While this symptom requires attention, it does not typically indicate an immediate life-threatening issue compared to potential cardiac ischemia associated with "indigestion."

D. Urinary frequency: This could be related to medications or other conditions. While it should be addressed, it is not the most critical issue compared to potential acute cardiac symptoms.

A. Provide the client with a walker: While a walker may be used during ambulation, ensuring the client's physiological readiness for ambulation takes precedence.

B. Premedicate the client with the prescribed analgesic: While pain management is important for comfort during ambulation, premedication may not be necessary for all clients and should be based on individual assessment.

C. Obtain the client's vital signs and oximetry prior to ambulation: This intervention allows the nurse to assess the client's physiological status and ensure stability before initiating ambulation, reducing the risk of complications.

D. Reinforce the client's surgical dressing: While maintaining the integrity of the surgical

incision is important, reinforcing the dressing alone does not ensure the client's readiness for ambulation.