The nurse is assessing an adult patient with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which labs result should be reported to the physician immediately? Select the "3" findings that require immediate follow-up.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Blood glucose 112 mg/dL: This glucose level is within the target fasting range for patients with Type 1 diabetes. It indicates good short-term glucose control and does not pose an immediate clinical concern, so it does not require urgent physician notification. B. Hemoglobin A1C 6.0%: An A1C of 6.0% reflects strong long-term glycemic control. This value is below the ADA-recommended goal of <7% for most adults with diabetes, indicating stability and no need for immediate intervention. C. Hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL: This indicates mild to moderate anemia, which could be due to chronic kidney disease a common diabetic complication. It may reflect decreased erythropoietin production from renal impairment and should be evaluated promptly to prevent worsening. D. Creatinine 2.5 mg/dL: This level is significantly elevated, suggesting renal dysfunction, which is serious in a patient with diabetes. It may signal progression of diabetic nephropathy or acute kidney injury and warrants immediate medical evaluation and intervention. E. Microalbuminuria 40 mg/24 hours: This indicates early kidney damage but is not an emergent finding. While it supports the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, it does not require urgent reporting unless accompanied by worsening renal function or other critical signs. F. Positive ketones in the urine: Ketones in the urine suggest fat breakdown due to insufficient insulin and risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is an acute and potentially life-threatening complication of Type 1 diabetes that requires immediate physician notification and intervention.