Final answer:
The CPCT should confirm that the patient has finished eating and then clear the table to proceed with the 2-hour PP glucose test, which is essential for diagnosing diabetes mellitus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician) should take immediate action to assist the patient. First, the CPCT needs to ensure that the patient has finished the meal, as the timing of the postprandial (PP) glucose test is critical in assessing the body's glucose metabolism after eating.
If the meal is completed, the CPCT should clear the table and prepare for the dermal puncture to collect the 2-hour PP glucose sample. It is crucial because the test is conducted as part of a glucose tolerance test to confirm the presence of diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).