Question

A medical assistant receives a call from a reference laboratory reporting a fasting blood glucose of 450 mg/dL for a patient. According to protocol, which of the following actions should the assistant take?

1) Notify the ordering provider immediately
2) Schedule a follow-up appointment for the patient
3) Inform the patient about the test result
4) D. Request a retest for confirmation

Answer 1

Option 1). The medical assistant should notify the ordering provider immediately upon receiving a report of a fasting blood glucose of 450 mg/dL, as it indicates a critically high level that could require emergency treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

As per protocol, the most acceptable course of action for a medical assistant who receives a call from a reference laboratory reporting a patient's fasting blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL is to promptly tell the ordering practitioner. This is important because a fasting blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL is far higher than the 125 mg/dL diabetes threshold and considerably higher than the typical range of 70 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL in healthy individuals. Because of the high level, prompt medical attention may be necessary to avoid consequences. Therefore, prompt notification is crucial.

When glucose is consumed, blood sugar levels in healthy people rise initially but then swiftly return to normal as a result of insulin release. Conversely, individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus demonstrate increased levels of fasting blood glucose.