The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Which finding is an early sign of hypoglycemia?

Based on the laboratory data, the client has:

Option 1: Pre-diabetes

Option 2: Impaired glucose tolerance

The client's fasting blood glucose level of 122 mg/dL (6.8 mmol/L) falls within the range of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.56 to 6.9 mmol/L), indicating impaired glucose tolerance. This suggests that the client's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes mellitus.

Impaired glucose tolerance is considered a precursor to diabetes and indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future. It is important for the practical nurse to educate the client about lifestyle modifications to manage blood sugar levels and prevent the progression to diabetes.

- Medication administration is a process that involves prescribing, dispensing, and giving medications to patients. It is a critical and complex task that requires accuracy, safety, and adherence to the rights of medication administration, such as the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation, and right response.
- When a male client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the pill he has been taking at home is a different color and size than the one the PN is trying to give him now, this may indicate a potential medication error

or discrepancy. A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. A medication discrepancy is any difference between the current and previous medication regimens of a patient.
- The PN should respond to the client's concern by telling him that the PN will verify that the dispensed medication is a valid prescription. This means that the PN will check the medication label, the medication order, and the medication administration record (MAR) to confirm that the medication given to the client matches the one prescribed by the healthcare provider. The PN will also compare the dispensed medication with a drug reference guide or a picture of the medication to ensure that it is the correct drug and dosage form. The PN will also report any suspected errors or discrepancies to the healthcare provider or the pharmacy for clarification or correction.

- Options A, B, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or responsible actions for the PN to take when faced with a possible medication error or discrepancy.