In a long-term care facility, if a nurse observes elevated pre-prandial blood glucose levels in diabetic clients, what should be the nurse's first action?

The initial action a nurse should take when observing elevated pre-prandial blood glucose levels in diabetic clients is to evaluate the calibration of the glucometers in use according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is crucial because inaccurate blood glucose readings can lead to inappropriate clinical decisions. Ensuring that the glucometers are functioning correctly is a foundational step in determining whether the observed elevated levels are a result of true hyperglycemia or simply a result of faulty equipment.

Before modifying the diet, notifying a physician, or increasing medication dosages, it is essential to confirm that the readings are accurate. If the glucometers are not calibrated properly, they may provide misleading results, which can cause unnecessary changes to treatment plans. Hence, verifying the accuracy of the glucometers is critical for safe and effective patient care.