Final answer:
The nurse should inquire about the client's current dietary intake and medication use, as the A1C level of 8.2% suggests that the diabetes is not well controlled. Intervention may be needed, such as dietary adjustments or changes in medication, including the possibility of insulin therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with type 2 diabetes who is taking metformin (Glucophage) has a fasting blood glucose of 108 mg/dL, and a glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) of 8.2%. Given these values, the most appropriate next step for the nurse would be to:
- Ask the client about current dietary intake and medication use.
This step is crucial because it helps to assess whether the client is adhering to the recommended dietary guidelines and taking their medication as prescribed. The A1C level indicates that the client's diabetes is not very well controlled, suggesting a need for a change in the management plan, which could include dietary adjustments, increased medication, or the introduction of insulin therapy. It's essential to gather more information on the client's current management efforts before making any changes.
Conversely, instructing the client to continue with the current regimen may not be sufficient since the A1C value exceeds the normal target levels for individuals with diabetes. Adding rapid-acting insulin to the regimen or checking blood glucose several times a day are potential options, but these should be considered after an initial assessment of the client's current management strategy.