A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and sees that their hemoglobin A1C is 9%. Which of the following statements from the nurse is appropriate?

A. "Your blood sugar is very unstable." While high HbA1C levels can indicate poor glucose control, they do not specifically indicate instability in blood sugar levels (i.e., frequent fluctuations between high and low levels). HbA1C does not capture short-term variations in blood glucose; it only provides an average over a few months.

B. "Your blood sugar is too high after meals." Although postprandial (after-meal) glucose levels contribute to overall blood glucose levels, HbA1C measures the average blood glucose level over several months and is not specific to postprandial glucose levels. A high HbA1C suggests elevated glucose levels overall, not just after meals.

C. "Your average blood sugar is high." HbA1C measures the average blood sugar level over an extended period, typically 2-3 months. A result of 9% indicates that the client's average blood glucose levels have been consistently high, suggesting poor long-term glucose control. This is a precise and appropriate statement reflecting the meaning of the HbA1C result.

D. "You have many dangerously low blood sugar levels." A high HbA1C indicates elevated blood glucose levels over time, not low levels. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) would not contribute to a high HbA1C. In fact, frequent hypoglycemia would more likely result in a lower HbA1C, not a higher one.

A. Pitting edema: Pitting edema is more indicative of fluid retention, often associated with heart failure itself, rather than a direct sign of hypokalemia.

B. Dyspnea: Dyspnea is typically a symptom of fluid overload or respiratory conditions and is not a specific indicator of hypokalemia.

C. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of hypokalemia because low potassium levels affect muscle function and overall energy levels. It is a key indicator of electrolyte imbalance.

D. Oliguria: Oliguria, or decreased urine output, is more associated with kidney function issues or severe dehydration, not directly with hypokalemia.