A nurse is assisting with the care of a postoperative client who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. Which data should the nurse recognize as an indication of a septic reaction to the blood transfusion?

Choice A reason: HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A lower HbA1c indicates better glycemic control and a lower risk of diabetes complications. The target HbA1c for most people with diabetes mellitus is less than 7%.

Choice B reason: HbA1c 12.5% is very high and indicates poor glycemic control and a high risk of diabetes complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy.

Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dL is within the normal range of 70 to 99 mg/dL and indicates normal glucose metabolism, but it does not reflect the long-term control of blood glucose levels over the past 3 months.

Choice D reason: Fasting blood glucose 70 mg/dL is at the lower end of the normal range and may indicate hypoglycemia or low blood glucose levels, which can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, hunger, or confusion.

Choice A reason: Changed mental status, such as confusion, agitation, or delirium, can be a sign of a bladder infection in older adults, as they may not have the typical symptoms of dysuria, frequency, or urgency.

Choice B reason: WBC count 9,000/mm³ is within the normal range of 4,500 to 11,000/mm³ and does not indicate an infection.

Choice C reason: Diminished reflexes are not related to a bladder infection and may be due to aging, neurological disorders, or medication side effects.

Choice D reason: Temperature 37.3°C (99.1°F) is slightly elevated but not indicative of a bladder infection. Older adults may have lower baseline temperatures and may not develop fever in response to an infection.