A nurse is teaching a client who is at 20 weeks of gestation about how to manage heartburn.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

A random plasma glucose level of 176 mg/dL indicates high blood sugar at the time of the test. Random glucose levels are not ideal for assessing glycemic control as they can vary based on recent food intake and stressors.

Choice B rationale:

Triglyceride levels are not used to assess glycemic control. They measure the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream and are related to lipid metabolism, not glucose control.

Choice C rationale:

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a long-term measure of blood glucose control. An HbA1c level of 6.8% indicates acceptable glycemic control in a person with diabetes. The normal range for HbA1c is typically less than 6.5%. This test reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, giving a better understanding of overall glucose control.

Choice D rationale:

Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated. While fasting blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are generally considered normal, levels between 100-125 mg/dL are considered prediabetic, and levels above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions indicate diabetes. The result provided falls within the prediabetic range but does not indicate optimal glycemic control.

• A is incorrect because assessing the apical pulse while the newborn is crying can result in an inaccurate measurement due to increased heart rate and respiratory rate.
• B is incorrect because palpating the radial pulse for 30 seconds is not appropriate for a newborn as it can be difficult to locate and count accurately.
• C is incorrect because listening to the apical pulse while palpating the radial pulse is not necessary for a newborn and can be confusing and time-consuming.
• D is correct because auscultating the apical pulse at least 1 min is the best way to assess a newborn's heart rate as it provides an accurate and reliable measurement.