A nurse working for a home health agency is teaching a client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus about disease management. Which of the following glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values should the nurse include in the teaching as an indicator that the client is appropriately controlling their glucose levels?

A. Level of consciousness:

While assessing the client's level of consciousness is important, it is not the top priority after an EGD procedure unless there are specific signs of neurological distress. Monitoring for signs of sedation or anesthesia recovery is typically part of post-procedure care.

B. Gag reflex:

This is the correct answer. The nurse should prioritize assessing the gag reflex, as the procedure involves passing a flexible tube through the mouth and down the esophagus. Ensuring the return of the gag reflex is essential to prevent aspiration and ensure the client's safety.

C. Pain:

Pain assessment is important, but it is usually addressed after confirming airway protection and ensuring the absence of complications such as bleeding or perforation.

D. Nausea:

While nausea is a possible post-procedure symptom, assessing the gag reflex and monitoring for signs of complications take precedence over managing nausea in the immediate post-procedure period.

A. Dyspepsia:

Dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often described as indigestion. It is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not as urgent as the manifestation described in option C.

B. Epigastric discomfort:

Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but the priority is to identify more severe complications, such as bleeding.

C. Hematemesis:

This is the correct answer. Hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It indicates active bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires prompt medical attention.

D. Epigastric pain:

Epigastric pain is similar to epigastric discomfort and is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. However, the priority in the given options is to identify the more severe complication of hematemesis.