A nurse is reviewing a laboratory report of a client who is taking olanzapine. Which value should the nurse report to the provider?

The fasting blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL is significant and should be reported to the provider. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication that is known to have potential metabolic side effects, including the risk of hyperglycemia and weight gain. A fasting blood glucose level above 126 mg/dL is classified as hyperglycemia and indicative of possible diabetes mellitus. Therefore, a level of 140 mg/dL raises concern for the client’s risk of developing diabetes or worsening glucose control, necessitating further evaluation and intervention.

In contrast, the potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range for adults, indicating that there is no immediate concern regarding electrolyte imbalances. The hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL is also within acceptable limits for adults, suggesting that the client is not experiencing anemia at this time. The sodium level of 135 mEq/L is slightly low but is generally not critical unless it drops further or if there are accompanying symptoms, making it less urgent than the abnormal glucose value. Reporting the elevated fasting blood glucose aligns with the priority of monitoring and managing potential metabolic side effects associated with olanzapine therapy.