Final answer:
The practical nurse should assess for symptoms of hypoglycemia due to the lower end of a normal fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL and take appropriate actions, such as monitoring or administering a fast-acting carbohydrate if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus has a morning fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL. To provide the most appropriate care, the practical nurse should recognize that a level of 70 mg/dL is slightly below the normal fasting range. Considering the information that normal fasting blood glucose levels are between 60-90 mg/100 ml, and specifically 80-120 mg/100 ml by some testing methods, this result indicates that the patient is at the low end of the normal range. In this situation, it is important to assess the patient for symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can occur in individuals with diabetes who have lower blood sugar levels. If the patient is asymptomatic, monitoring and preparing for the next scheduled meal or a snack to ensure glucose levels stay within a safe range would be prudent. If the patient exhibits symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, or confusion, the nurse should follow established protocols, which may include providing a fast-acting carbohydrate.