Questions: Question 23. The nurse notes that a pediatric patient has a fasting blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL. Which intervention would the nurse anticipate to validate that this patient has type 1 diabetes mellitus? 1. Prescription to test the urine for protein. 2. Repeat the fasting blood glucose level the next day. 3. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level after dinner. 4. Obtain the child's serum potassium levels.

The answer is the second one (2): Repeat the fasting blood glucose level the next day.

Explanation for each option:

1. Prescription to test the urine for protein:

   • This test is typically used to check for kidney damage or disease, which can be a complication of diabetes, but it is not a primary diagnostic tool for confirming type 1 diabetes mellitus.

2. Repeat the fasting blood glucose level the next day:

   • This is the correct answer. A single elevated fasting blood glucose level is not sufficient to diagnose diabetes. Repeating the test on another day helps to confirm the diagnosis. According to the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions is one of the criteria for diagnosing diabetes.

3. Obtain a capillary blood glucose level after dinner:

   • This test measures blood glucose levels at a specific point in time and can be influenced by recent food intake. It is not as reliable for diagnosing diabetes as fasting blood glucose levels or an oral glucose tolerance test.

4. Obtain the child's serum potassium levels:

   • While serum potassium levels can be affected by diabetes, especially in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, this test is not used to diagnose diabetes. It is more relevant for assessing electrolyte imbalances and other complications.

Summary: To validate that a pediatric patient has type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse should anticipate repeating the fasting blood glucose level the next day to confirm the diagnosis.