A nurse is providing education to a pregnant client about the screening test for gestational diabetes.

The nurse explains that the test involves measuring blood sugar levels at different time points.

Which of the following blood sugar level readings would confirm a diagnosis of gestational diabetes?

The correct answer is choice B. Impaired glucose tolerance.

This means that the client’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal blood glucose level two hours after drinking the glucose solution is lower than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).

A level between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 and 11 mmol/L) indicates impaired glucose tolerance, and a level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher indicates diabetes.

Choice A is wrong because normal glucose tolerance means that the blood sugar levels are within the normal range after drinking the glucose solution.

The client’s 1-hour and 2-hour levels are above the normal range.

Choice C is wrong because gestational diabetes means that the blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy and can cause complications for the mother and the baby.

The client’s fasting blood sugar level is within the normal range,

The correct answer is choice B.“I can drink water during the test to stay hydrated.” This statement indicates an understanding of the procedure because water does not affect the blood glucose level and can help prevent dehydration during the test.

Choice A is wrong because “I should avoid any high-sugar foods for a week before the test.” This statement is incorrect because the client only needs to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for at least eight hours before the test.

Avoiding high-sugar foods for a week before the test is unnecessary and may alter the results.

Choice C is wrong because “I need to fast for 12 hours before the test.” This statement is incorrect because the client only needs to fast for eight hours before the test.

Fasting for longer than eight hours may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or ketosis (high levels of ketones in the blood).

Choice D is wrong because “I should avoid physical activity on the day of the test.” This statement is incorrect because moderate physical activity does not affect the blood glucose level and may help reduce stress during the test.

However, strenuous exercise should be avoided as it may lower the blood glucose level too much.

Normal ranges for blood glucose levels during the glucose tolerance test are:

• Fasting: less than 5.3 mmol/L (95 mg/dL)

• One hour: less than 10.0 mmol/L (180 mg/dL)

• Two hours: less than 8.6 mmol/L (155 mg/dL)