A nurse is teaching a group of young adult clients about risk factors for hearing loss. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1C, reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is a crucial indicator of long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that the A1C level be checked at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and have stable glycemic control. An A1C level below 7% is generally considered good control, and achieving this target can reduce microvascular complications of diabetes.

Choice B reason: Postprandial blood glucose levels indicate the amount of glucose in the blood after a meal. While it's an important measure, it reflects only the immediate response to food intake and does not provide information about long-term glycemic control.

Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose levels measure the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes but is less effective than the A1C test for monitoring long-term glycemic control.

Choice D reason: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. This test is primarily used for diagnosing diabetes and gestational diabetes, not for long-term monitoring.

Choice A reason: Removing the weights before changing the client's bed linens is not recommended. The weights are an integral part of the traction system and removing them could disrupt the traction, potentially causing harm or discomfort to the client. The weights must be maintained to ensure the effectiveness of the skeletal traction.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to use their elbows to reposition themselves could be helpful, but it is not the primary action the nurse should take. While maintaining some degree of mobility is important, the nurse must ensure that the traction setup is not disturbed during any movement.

Choice C reason: Checking pressure points every 12 hours is important to prevent skin breakdown and ulcers, especially in immobilized patients. However, this is a routine action and not specific to the care of a client with skeletal traction. The nurse should check pressure points more frequently, considering the increased risk of pressure sores in immobilized patients.

Choice D reason: Providing the client with a trapeze bar is the correct action. A trapeze bar allows the client to independently reposition themselves while maintaining the integrity of the traction. It helps the client to move and shift weight, which can aid in preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy. It also gives the client a sense of control and independence in their care.