After a fasting blood glucose reading of 180 mg/dL at 7 am, what is the nurse's priority action for the adolescent with diabetes?

In cases of elevated blood glucose levels, such as a fasting reading of 180 mg/dL, the immediate concern is to manage that hyperglycemia effectively. Administering the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin is a priority action because this intervention directly addresses the elevated blood sugar level. Rapid-acting insulin works quickly to lower blood glucose by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells for energy, thus preventing potential complications associated with hyperglycemia, including diabetic ketoacidosis.

While monitoring dietary intake, scheduling healthcare appointments, and educating the adolescent about symptoms of hyperglycemia are important aspects of diabetes management and overall care, these actions typically follow immediate interventions for high blood glucose levels. The goal is to stabilize the adolescent’s condition first, as uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, the prompt administration of insulin is the most crucial step in this scenario.