A nurse is reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) of a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings in the client EHR should the nurse identify as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A. Position the client's finger above their heart: The finger should be positioned below the level of the heart to encourage blood flow, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood sample for testing. Elevating the finger would decrease blood flow and make collection more difficult.

B. Apply sterile gloves prior to performing the test: Clean, non-sterile gloves are sufficient for routine blood glucose monitoring. Sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing procedures that require a sterile environment, such as surgery or central line dressing changes.

C. Puncture the side of the client's finger: The sides of the fingertips have fewer nerve endings compared to the pads, making the procedure less painful. Additionally, puncturing the side helps promote better blood flow and reduces the risk of bruising and soreness.

D. Milk the finger site: Milking or squeezing the finger excessively can cause hemolysis or contamination of the blood sample with tissue fluid, leading to inaccurate glucose readings. Gentle pressure may be used if needed, but forceful milking should be avoided.

A. Reviewing client education: Reviewing education is often part of the termination phase, where teaching is reinforced and the nurse ensures the client understands care plans after the therapeutic relationship ends. It is not a primary focus during the working phase.

B. Identifying problem-solving skills: The working phase focuses on active problem-solving, setting goals, and implementing strategies to address the client's issues. This is when trust is established further, and the nurse and client collaborate on interventions and coping techniques to promote positive outcomes.

C. Summarizing the goals and objectives achieved: Summarizing achievements is part of the termination phase, when the nurse and client reflect on progress made. It helps bring closure to the relationship but does not belong to the working phase where the focus is still on active progress.

D. Specifying a contract: Specifying a contract is a task of the orientation phase, where the structure of the nurse-client relationship, roles, and expectations are defined. This lays the foundation before entering into the problem-solving focus of the working phase.