A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Exercising when insulin is at its peak action is incorrect. Exercising during peak insulin activity increases the risk of hypoglycemia. It is best to exercise when insulin levels are more stable, such as 1 to 2 hours after a meal.

B. Eating a piece of fruit before exercising is correct. A small carbohydrate snack before exercise helps prevent hypoglycemia, especially for clients with type 1 diabetes. The body requires glucose for energy, and exercise can lower blood sugar levels rapidly.

C. Injecting additional insulin before exercising is incorrect. Exercise naturally lowers blood glucose, so adding extra insulin increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Instead, insulin doses may need to be adjusted downward based on activity levels.

D. Avoiding protein before exercising is incorrect. While carbohydrates are the primary concern, protein intake before exercise is not harmful and can support muscle function. However, the focus should be on carbohydrate intake to maintain blood glucose levels.

A. WBC 13,000/mm3 is slightly elevated and might indicate an infection, but it is not critically high in the context of COPD. The nurse should still monitor the client for signs of infection but is unlikely to require immediate intervention.

B. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.

C. Hgb 20 g/dL is elevated and should be reported. High hemoglobin levels can indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions related to chronic hypoxia, which is common in COPD. This value is above the normal range (12–18 g/dL for adults) and requires further evaluation.

D. Iron 150 mcg/dL is within the normal range (50–170 mcg/dL for adults) and does not require reporting.