A nurse is caring for a client who is 8 hr postoperative following a left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following laboratory values indicates the nurse should notify the provider?

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: Blurred vision is not an expected side effect of digoxin, but a sign of digoxin toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because digoxin can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, clients taking digoxin need to have their potassium levels monitored regularly and consume foods rich in potassium.

Choice C reason: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of digoxin and reduce its effectiveness. Clients taking digoxin should avoid taking antacids within two hours of taking the medication.

Choice D reason: Weighing oneself every other day is not related to digoxin therapy, but to fluid balance. Clients with heart failure, who are often prescribed digoxin, need to monitor their weight daily and report any significant changes to their health care provider.