Complete the following sentence by choosing from the list of options. Exhibits The nurse should first address the patient's dropdown followed by the client's dropdown.

Hyperglycemia Infection Rationale for Correct Answers: Hyperglycemia: The patient’s glucose is critically elevated at 450 mg/dL, which can rapidly lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Immediate intervention to lower blood glucose is essential to prevent severe complications. Infection: The patient has signs of infection, including elevated WBC and a right lower extremity ulcer. Infection can worsen hyperglycemia and delay healing, so addressing infection after stabilizing glucose is crucial. Rationale for Incorrect Options: Hypertension: While the patient has a history of hypertension, the current blood pressure (140/84) is not immediately life-threatening compared to hyperglycemia and infection risks. Hypertension management can follow stabilization. Neuropathy: Numbness and tingling indicate neuropathy, a chronic diabetic complication. This requires long-term management but is not urgent in this acute admission. Pain from the lower extremity ulcer: Pain is significant but secondary to managing hyperglycemia and infection, which are urgent threats to patient health. Decreased activity: Decreased activity is a contributing factor but not an immediate concern requiring direct intervention before hyperglycemia and infection.