A nurse is providing teaching to a client who recently had a hemoglobin A1c level obtained. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"This lab measures your average blood glucose over a 3-month period."
"An increase in your hemoglobin A1c level indicates glycemic control."
"This lab value is a good indicator of short-term nutritional status."
"You will need to fast before getting this test."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "This lab measures your average blood glucose over a 3-month period." The hemoglobin A1c test reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months by measuring the percentage of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, this test provides a long-term view of glycemic control.
B. "An increase in your hemoglobin A1c level indicates glycemic control." An increase in hemoglobin A1c levels actually indicates poor glycemic control, not improvement. Higher values mean blood glucose has been elevated over time, which can lead to complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy in diabetic patients.
C. "This lab value is a good indicator of short-term nutritional status." The hemoglobin A1c test is not used to assess short-term nutritional status. Instead, it measures long-term blood glucose trends. For evaluating short-term changes in nutrition, blood glucose logs or postprandial glucose readings are better tools to use.
D. "You will need to fast before getting this test." Fasting is not required for the hemoglobin A1c test. The result is not affected by recent food intake, making it convenient for patients. This feature makes it more practical than fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests when assessing overall glycemic control in diabetes management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Supplement your diet with 400 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects in fetal development and plays a role in red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. However, it is not directly associated with the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.
B. "Adhere to a low-protein diet." A low-protein diet is not advisable for individuals at risk for osteoporosis. Adequate protein intake is necessary for bone matrix formation and maintenance of muscle mass, which supports skeletal strength. Extremely low protein can impair calcium absorption and negatively affect bone density, increasing fracture risk.
C. "Add more leafy greens to your diet." Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and broccoli are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, all of which support bone health and help in maintaining bone density. These nutrients play a crucial role in bone remodeling and reducing the risk of fractures in individuals susceptible to osteoporosis.
D. "Increase your dietary fiber intake." While fiber is important for digestive health and reducing cholesterol, it does not have a significant direct effect on bone mineral density or osteoporosis prevention. Excessive fiber intake, especially from supplements, may even interfere with calcium absorption, making it less ideal for those at risk of osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You are experiencing gastric retention due to total parenteral therapy.": Gastric retention is not a typical effect of TPN, which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Since nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, it is unrelated to gastric motility or retention issues.
B. "You are not consuming enough dietary fiber.": Clients receiving total parenteral nutrition are usually not consuming food orally, so fiber intake is not relevant. Diarrhea in these clients is more likely linked to the composition or administration of the TPN solution.
C. "Your total parenteral therapy solution was too cold during administration.": Administering a cold TPN solution can irritate the gastrointestinal system and stimulate peristalsis, leading to diarrhea. Warming the solution to room temperature prior to administration can help prevent this adverse effect.
D. "You have had inadequate fluid intake.": TPN solutions contain fluids and electrolytes, and clients receiving them typically have carefully regulated intake. Dehydration is unlikely to be the cause of diarrhea in this context, and other factors should be considered first.
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