The nurse is caring for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting with an HbA1c of 11% (97 mmol/mol), thirst, and blurred vision. Which action should the nurse take first?

The adolescent's symptoms suggest that their blood glucose levels may be very high. Obtaining a point-of- care glucose reading is the first step in assessing the adolescent's current blood glucose levels and determining the appropriate course of action. Reviewing prior insulin prescriptions, assessing urine for ketones, and checking blood pressure are also important interventions but should occur after the blood glucose level has been determined.