In a client with suspected polycystic ovarian syndrome, which laboratory value is most likely to be monitored?

• A. Glucose
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Potassium
• D. HDL

Answer: (A)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome often comes with insulin resistance, which raises the risk of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Because of this metabolic concern, monitoring glucose levels is a primary part of managing PCOS—using fasting glucose, an oral glucose tolerance test, or HbA1c to gauge how the body handles sugar and to guide treatment.

The other labs touch on different issues: white blood cell count isn’t a standard marker for PCOS and points more toward infection or inflammation; potassium is an electrolyte not specifically linked to PCOS management; HDL is one lipid parameter that may be considered, but glucose monitoring directly addresses the insulin resistance and diabetes risk that are central to PCOS care.