A nurse is reinforcing teaching with an adolescent client about the purpose of the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test. Which of the following descriptions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. A blood pressure of 95/58 mm Hg can be within an acceptable range for an infant and is not typically a cause for concern in a 2-month-old.

B. A respiratory rate of 18/min is abnormally low for a 2-month-old infant. Infants normally have a respiratory rate of about 30–60/min, and a low rate may indicate respiratory depression or other serious issues that should be reported promptly.

C. A temperature of 37.4° C (99.3°F) is within the expected range for an infant and does not indicate fever.

D. A heart rate of 160/min is within the normal range for a young infant, especially when awake or active.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Consult the child life specialist for guidance: A child life specialist can help the parent navigate the difficult conversation with their adolescent, providing strategies for addressing sensitive topics like metastasis and death.
• Reinforce teaching to the parent regarding the adolescent's potential emotional responses: Educating the parent on common emotional responses helps them prepare for and better support their adolescent through this challenging time.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Encourage the parent to hide their emotions from their adolescent: Hiding emotions can create barriers to trust and communication, which can make the adolescent feel isolated or confused.
• Instruct the parent to withhold the test results from their adolescent: Withholding important information can prevent the adolescent from understanding their condition and making informed decisions about their care.
• Discourage the parent from discussing the possibility of death with their adolescent: Avoiding discussions about death can prevent the adolescent from processing their emotions and understanding the reality of their situation.
• Collaborate with the RN to initiate a referral for admission to hospice care: Hospice care should only be considered after emotional support and clear communication have been established, not prematurely without addressing emotional needs first.